Fiji Strengthens Climate Early Warning Systems

Fiji is taking another step towards improving its preparedness for climate change and natural disasters through the development of a national project to strengthen early warning systems across the country.

A two-day Fiji Green Climate Fund (GCF) Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Proposal Development Writeshop began today at the University of the South Pacific's Statham Campus, bringing together representatives from Government ministries and agencies, the National Disaster Management Office, Fiji Meteorological Service, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), civil society organisations, development partners and technical experts.

The workshop aims to develop a country-led funding proposal for submission to the Green Climate Fund under its Simplified Approval Process.

Opening the workshop, Director of Climate Change Senivasa Waqairamasi said a successful climate finance proposal requires strong national ownership and collaboration across all sectors.

"Today's writeshop brings together the collective knowledge of our lead technical agencies, SPREP and frontline stakeholders to refine a project that will deliver tangible, lasting benefits. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient multi-hazard early warning system for Fiji," she said.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is leading the proposal as Fiji's National Designated Authority, in partnership with SPREP as the Accredited Entity and in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Office and the Fiji Meteorological Service.

The proposed project focuses on improving weather observation and monitoring infrastructure, strengthening forecasting and decision-support services, and enhancing community preparedness to ensure timely warnings reach people before disasters strike.

If approved, the project is expected to strengthen national institutions, improve coordination between agencies, enhance climate and hazard information, and help communities better prepare for climate-related hazards.

Participants will spend the next two days refining the proposal, validating its technical components and finalising implementation arrangements ahead of its submission to the Green Climate Fund.

Duavata News (Fiji) PTE LIMITED © 2024

☏ 3317438

📧 editor@duavata.news