Fiji is actively gearing up for future disasters, demonstrating a robust commitment to resilience in the face of ongoing climate change challenges. The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, highlighted that while disasters are unavoidable, Fiji can build back stronger through strategic investments in resilience.
During the National Disaster Risk Management Act Awareness Workshop, Ditoka introduced the recently enacted Disaster Risk Management Act, designed to enhance coordination, improve response times, and strengthen community protection. This Act represents a significant shift in disaster management, promoting the active involvement of women, youth, and individuals with disabilities as key contributors in planning and recovery efforts.
Gabrielle Emery, head of the Pacific Subregional Office, noted that although the Act is succinct at just 20 pages, it acts as a fundamental building block for Fiji’s disaster resilience strategy. It aligns with international frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which advocates for proactive measures in disaster management.
The current initiatives underscore a firm commitment to fostering strong partnerships between the government and local communities, ensuring that every Fijian has a crucial role to play. The overarching aim is to cultivate a culture of cooperation and shared responsibility, transforming residents from mere recipients of aid into proactive participants in preparedness and response strategies. Ditoka emphasized the importance of empowering local communities, particularly those vulnerable to climate-related disasters, which include rural and maritime populations.
Ongoing efforts to bolster Fiji’s disaster response capabilities are highlighted by an increasing emphasis on community engagement in resilience-building measures. Local disaster risk management committees are being established, and training programs are ongoing, central to these plans. Ditoka urged villages to implement tailored strategies to safeguard lives and infrastructure, particularly as the cyclone season approaches, which could see one to two storms impacting Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Fiji’s proactive strategies and inclusive approach to disaster management not only aim to protect lives but also to build a resilient society ready to confront future challenges. By prioritizing local engagement in disaster planning, Fiji is setting a commendable example for other nations facing similar climate vulnerabilities. As these initiatives progress, they offer the promise of enhancing Fiji’s preparedness, ensuring communities are more effectively equipped to respond when disasters occur.