Fiji’s approach to disaster risk management is built on solid legal and policy foundations.
The National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024 is at the heart of this framework.
It provides the rules and structures needed for effective disaster management, including budgeting for preparedness, setting up a disaster fund, and creating early warning systems.
The Act requires the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), working with other agencies, to maintain “a people-centred, multi-hazard warning system.”
This means monitoring hazards, forecasting their impacts, and putting in place “pre-agreed actions that may be taken to minimise impact of the hazard, in accordance with forecasted hazard impact.”
The law also allows authorities to declare a State of Disaster even when a hazard is only “likely to cause” significant damage.
This early legal backing is important for anticipatory action because it allows interventions before a disaster hits.
In addition, other national policies support early action. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy (2018-2030) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) highlight the need to strengthen preparedness, early warning systems, and proactive responses to climate hazards like tropical cyclones.
Community-Level Preparedness
Fiji’s framework shows that disaster preparation starts at the community level.
The Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Policy provides an entry point for anticipatory action locally.
It encourages “the development of triggers and pre-agreed plans to activate funding and preparedness before disasters strike.”
These community-based systems are reinforced through public awareness initiatives like the National Disaster Awareness Week, which helps people understand how to prepare and respond.
Local committees, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups play a critical role in spreading information and supporting last-mile actions during emergencies.
Financing for Early Action
Anticipatory action is only effective if resources are available when needed. Fiji is developing a National Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) Strategy to improve financial resilience to disasters.
According to the framework, the strategy aims to ensure “timely and predictable access to funds before and after disasters, reducing fiscal shocks and enabling faster recovery.”
Existing tools like the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) and the World Bank’s Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT-DDO) will be integrated, along with micro-level insurance for households, businesses, and the agriculture sector.
Once finalized, the strategy will provide a comprehensive approach for releasing funds early, based on forecasted hazards.
Gender and Health Considerations
The framework also shows that disaster preparedness must be inclusive.
The Sendai Gender Action Plan (GAP) guides efforts to integrate gender-responsive approaches in disaster risk reduction.
A related policy brief for Pacific Island Countries highlights the importance of addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) in disaster planning.
The brief recommends four key steps:
- Institutionalize SRH and GBV in disaster and climate policies.
- Strengthen community leadership and participation.
- Expand flexible, gender-responsive financing.
- Strengthen coordination across government and community organizations.
These measures ensure that women, girls, and vulnerable groups have access to essential services during and after disasters.
Governance of the Framework
The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) leads the framework under the oversight of the National Disaster Risk Management Council and the Cabinet of Fiji.
Triggers for action are designed in collaboration with the Fiji Meteorological Service and activities are carried out by line ministries and humanitarian partners.
All plans are validated by the NDRMO to ensure national ownership.
A key feature of governance is the national cluster system, which coordinates humanitarian and anticipatory actions across sectors.
The framework ensures that “pre-agreed interventions are embedded in existing preparedness and response arrangements” allowing a smooth transition from early action to emergency response.
At the divisional and local levels, Divisional Commissioners, Provincial Administrators, and community committees play critical roles in coordinating, monitoring, and communicating disaster plans.
Community-based committees work alongside civil society and faith groups to ensure that early warning and preparation reach everyone.
This layered approach combines national leadership with local participation, promoting a decentralised and inclusive system.
