Communities grappling with poverty and the impacts of climate change require enhanced government support that is both robust and targeted. This necessity persists despite recent strides made in public spending, as highlighted by Vani Catanasiga, Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS).
Catanasiga explained that while recent government budgets have addressed various concerns raised by civil society organizations, an assessment conducted by FCOSS members reveals that significant gaps still exist. She expressed optimism regarding ongoing reforms, stating, “We are confident that if we continue with these reforms and we continue to rope in stakeholders in the civil society, in academia, into these current efforts, that we will pivot the public finance management system to meet the needs of those that you mentioned, those in climate vulnerable areas, those who are socially excluded.”
Despite the progress, Catanasiga emphasized that the needs of communities most affected by poverty and climate shocks are not yet fully satisfied. She warned that disruptions, such as changes to the financial calendar, could create confusion and delays in assistance to vulnerable populations.
To address these issues, she is advocating for increased funding directed towards localized resilience initiatives. Catanasiga noted that many communities proactively build roads, seawalls, and other critical infrastructure, often in the absence of timely government support. These self-help projects necessitate adequate funding to maximize their impact.
Moreover, she pointed out that island communities urgently require improved access to resources and information. FCOSS is calling for targeted investments aimed at empowering these communities, emphasizing the critical need to assist individuals in coping with the escalating effects of climate change.
The call for action is more pressing than ever, as increased support could not only alleviate poverty but also bolster resilience against climate adversities, ultimately fostering stronger communities in the face of ongoing challenges.