Fiji can expect more public consultations and engagements on major policy decisions, projects and initiatives concerning the environment.
Incoming permanent secretary for environment and climate change, Dr Sivendra Michael said one of his biggest priorities when taking up office was to promote transparency and accountability, not just outside the ministry but also within.
“These initiatives will be focused on strengthening our communications both internally and externally, as well as having clear guidelines for decision making and reporting on this process,” he said.
“For example, around organising periodic public consultations on major policy decisions, projects initiatives, which will ensure that the voices of all stakeholders, including local communities, are heard and considered.
“Engaging independent bodies to conduct regular audits for us, implement a robust whistle blower protection system that will encourage staff and the public to report any malpractices.”
He said it was important to learn from, reflect and learn from failures as the country had multiple climate aspirations and there was a clear alignment of where Fiji needed to be in the next three to four years.
“It’s going to take considerable amount of time, because trust and understanding is not going to be built overnight. We’re going to have multiple engagements to be able to establish that trust, and only then we can be moving forward.
“I think in climate change and environment, there is a lot of leadership that is required. Fiji is in a position to influence the regional mandate and also the global mandate.
“You’ve seen how climate change being an issue that Fiji champions across the Pacific and in the global space. So, demonstrating the same level of leadership at the national level is quite critical for how we engage with our partners and stakeholders.”
