FIJI is strengthening its planned relocation framework to protect communities living in climate-vulnerable areas.
The Fijian Taskforce on the Relocation and Displacement of Communities Vulnerable to the Impacts of Climate Change convened its fourth-quarter meeting in Suva this week to review progress on planned relocation projects, climate mobility initiatives and future priorities.
The meeting brought together representatives from government ministries, development partners and invited observers to strengthen coordination and support a whole-of-government approach to climate-related relocation and displacement.
Chaired by the director for Climate Change Senivasa Waqairamasi the meeting endorsed in principle the Cultural Checklist for Planned Relocation in Fiji.
The checklist recognises the importance of protecting Fiji’s cultural values and traditions while ensuring the needs and voices of women and children are incorporated into relocation processes.
The Taskforce also progressed the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Guiding Framework, which will help strengthen community participation and ensure affected communities are meaningfully informed and involved in decisions concerning planned relocation.
Members further received updates on parametric insurance and heard from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on climate mobility initiatives and funding opportunities. These discussions reinforced the importance of partnerships in supporting safe, inclusive and people-centred approaches to planned relocation.
For Fiji, planned relocation is not simply about moving communities away from areas at risk. It is about protecting lives while preserving culture, identity, livelihoods and the deep connection communities have with the vanua.
The Government’s planned relocation framework therefore promotes processes that are transparent, inclusive, participatory and culturally appropriate, ensuring that communities affected by climate change remain at the centre of decisions about their future.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change acknowledged the continued support of German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)in advancing the work of the Taskforce and strengthening Fiji’s national approach to planned relocation.
Commissioner Western Apolosi Lewaqai raises a point during the 4th Quarter Meeting of the Fijian Taskforce on the Relocation and Displacement of Communities Vulnerable to the Impacts of Climate Change. Picture:SUPPLIED
