Communities facing the dual challenges of poverty and climate change are in urgent need of enhanced and targeted government support, as emphasized by Vani Catanasiga, Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS). Despite recent improvements in public spending, she points out that significant gaps still exist, indicating that current efforts are not yet sufficient to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
Catanasiga acknowledged the strides made by government budgets in addressing various concerns raised by civil society organizations. However, an assessment conducted by FCOSS members revealed that there is still much work to be done. She expressed a hopeful outlook regarding the ongoing reforms, stating, “We are confident that if we continue with these reforms and we continue to rope in stakeholders in civil society and academia into these current efforts, we will pivot the public finance management system to meet the needs of those in climate-vulnerable areas and those who are socially excluded.”
Yet, challenges remain. Catanasiga warned that disruptions, such as changes to the financial calendar, could complicate and delay necessary assistance to those most affected by poverty and climate shocks. In light of this, she is advocating for increased funding for localized resilience initiatives. Many communities, facing delays in government support, have taken the initiative to build critical infrastructure like roads and seawalls on their own, and adequate funding is essential to enhance these efforts.
Furthermore, the need for improved access to resources and information for island communities is urgent. FCOSS stresses the importance of targeted investments that empower these communities to adapt to the escalating impacts of climate change.
The urgency of this call to action cannot be overstated. Providing increased support not only has the potential to alleviate poverty but also to strengthen resilience against climate adversities, ultimately fostering more robust communities in the face of ongoing challenges. By investing in these vulnerable areas, there is hope for a brighter and more secure future.