The Fijian government has announced an interim plan to accelerate the transfer and trading of emission reduction units as part of its Carbon Trade Agreement. Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, emphasized that this initiative is essential, especially since Part 10 of the Climate Change Act of 2021, which offers the complete legal framework for such operations, is still pending enforcement.
During her recent parliamentary statement, Bainivalu outlined that under the 2021 Emission Reduction Program Agreement with the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, Fiji is required to deliver 2.5 million emission reduction units. This agreement is expected to yield $28.4 million for the government. As of the first assessment, 922,828 units are prepared for transfer, potentially generating $10.48 million.
To address the existing legal gap, Bainivalu mentioned that the government has developed an alternative pathway leveraging existing laws. Land lease agreements and deeds of assignment will be utilized to ensure landowners’ rights are upheld while permitting the government to trade units with the carbon fund. Moreover, she assured that the sovereignty of Fiji would be fully maintained throughout the process.
For leased lands, the government plans to incorporate clauses within lease variations allowing participation in the emission reduction program and unit transfers. New leases will be issued for vacant land under the same terms. All agreements will be registered with the Office of the Register of Titles, ensuring transparency and security for landowners.
Minister Bainivalu noted that community consultation and adherence to customary protocols with landowners will be rigorously followed throughout this process. The interim pathway is expected to facilitate Fiji’s initial transfer and trading of units by the end of the year. Additionally, the carbon fund might consider extending the agreement should Fiji demonstrate a consolidated effort in unit transfers, with landowners receiving equitable carbon payments alongside mandatory land rentals.
This initiative not only aligns with Fiji’s broader goals for sustainable development and climate action but also reinforces the importance of community engagement and local empowerment in environmental governance. Various recent initiatives have highlighted Fiji’s commitment to integrating local communities into climate strategies, providing potential economic benefits while simultaneously addressing critical environmental challenges. With this proactive approach, Fiji positions itself as a leader in climate action, showcasing hope for enhanced livelihoods through sustainable practices.