The Ministry convened a stakeholder consultation to establish the first Technical Working Group (TWG) under Fiji’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Steering Committee, bringing together government ministries, development partners and the private sector to strengthen climate resilience in infrastructure and human settlements.
The consultation focused on improving coordination and technical expertise to help Fiji better prepare for the growing impacts of climate change, including tropical cyclones, flooding, coastal erosion, landslides and sea-level rise.
Participants discussed how the proposed TWG can support practical measures to ensure roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure are designed and managed to withstand future climate risks. The meeting also explored climate-smart land use planning, resilient housing, nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration, stronger community preparedness, effective early warning systems and planned relocation where necessary.
The proposed TWG will provide technical guidance to support the implementation of Fiji’s NAP by helping translate national priorities into coordinated, practical actions that strengthen the resilience of communities and essential infrastructure.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael, said climate resilience must become a core part of every development decision made today.
“Climate change is already affecting the way we live, build and develop. Every road, school, bridge and community we invest in today must be designed with tomorrow’s climate in mind. By bringing our technical experts and partners together, we are laying the foundation for smarter decisions that will better protect our people, strengthen our infrastructure and build a more resilient Fiji,” Dr. Michael said.
Key recommendations from the consultation, including the proposed membership, priority work areas and governance arrangements for the TWG, will now be submitted to the National Adaptation Plan Steering Committee for endorsement as Fiji continues to strengthen national adaptation planning and build resilience across all sectors.
The Ministry acknowledges the continued support of the NAP Global Network and its Secretariat, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to supporting Fiji’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and implement its NAP.