Fiji is taking proactive steps to prepare for future disasters, underscoring a commitment to resilience amid ongoing challenges from climate change. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, emphasizes that although disasters are inevitable, Fiji can emerge stronger through strategic investments in resilience.
Speaking at the National Disaster Risk Management Act Awareness Workshop, Ditoka announced the newly enacted Disaster Risk Management Act, which aims to enhance coordination, improve response times, and bolster community protection. The Act marks a shift in how disaster management is approached, promoting active participation from women, youth, and individuals with disabilities as integral players in planning and recovery processes.
Gabrielle Emery, head of the Pacific Subregional Office, highlighted that the Act, despite being concise at 20 pages, serves as a foundational pillar for Fiji’s disaster resilience strategy. It aligns closely with international frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which prioritizes proactive measures in disaster management.
The current initiatives reflect a commitment to fostering strong partnerships between government and communities, ensuring that no Fijian is left behind. The overarching objective is to cultivate a culture of cooperation and shared responsibility, transforming individuals from passive recipients of aid into champions of preparedness and response strategies. Ditoka noted that empowering local communities is critical, especially those that are most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, such as rural and maritime populations.
Efforts to enhance Fiji’s disaster response capabilities are underscored by a growing focus on the importance of community involvement in resilience-building measures. Ongoing training programs and the establishment of local disaster risk management committees are central to these plans. Ditoka reiterated the need for villages to adopt tailored strategies to protect lives and infrastructure as they prepare for the cyclone season, which could see one to two storms impact Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Fiji’s proactive measures and inclusive approach to disaster management not only aim to protect lives but also create a resilient society prepared to face future challenges. By emphasizing the significance of local engagement in disaster planning, Fiji is setting a positive example for other nations tackling similar climate-related vulnerabilities. As these initiatives unfold, they hold the promise of strengthening Fiji’s preparedness, ensuring communities are better equipped to respond effectively when disasters strike.