A delegation of farmer leaders representing the Pacific Farmer Organisations is set to attend the UN Climate Summit (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, with a critical mission: to advocate for direct climate finance to benefit farmers and vulnerable communities directly affected by climate change. The leaders aim to emphasize the desperate need for substantial financial backing, as new research indicates that Pacific small-scale farmers require an estimated US$77 million annually to adapt their food systems amidst ongoing climate impacts. Alarmingly, they are currently receiving just 1.47% of the amount needed.
Ilisapeci Vakacegu, Programs Manager for Policy and Advocacy at Pacific Farmer Organisations, pointed out that the primary challenge lies in accessibility, explaining, “It takes money just to be able to access a pocket of funding. The system just ends up serving institutions and not farmers.” Throughout the summit, the delegation will push for a shift towards “direct and fair finance,” advocating for global leaders to bypass complex intermediaries in favor of more adaptive, farmer-led solutions like the Pacific Farmer Organisations Climate Resilient Farming Framework and the proposed Global Farmer’s Resilience and Empowerment Fund.
With nearly three-quarters of the Pacific population reliant on agriculture and fishing, the delegation’s argument emphasizes that supporting farmer-led adaptation strategies is not merely a matter of economics but is essential to preserving their culture and centuries of traditional knowledge. Vakacegu stated the stakes are high: failure to adapt could lead to profound losses in cultural heritage tied to farming practices.
This visit aligns with broader dialogue among Pacific leaders who have previously underscored the critical need for empowering communities and funding climate-resilient practices. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad and other regional leaders have echoed the call for increased climate financing and have highlighted the necessity for political unity in the face of climate change challenges. Present discussions stress that through collective action and proper funding mechanisms that prioritize local voices, the region can forge paths toward resilience amidst the pressing realities of climate crisis.
The ongoing coordinated efforts exemplify an inspiring unity among Pacific nations to advocate for tangible change and secure environmental justice. As COP30 approaches, there is optimism that heightened awareness and collaborative strategies can bring about meaningful outcomes, safeguarding livelihoods and cultures across the Pacific.