Three officers from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Unit have strengthened their skills in assessing the environmental impacts of development, with support from the World Bank.
The officers attended the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) 2026 Impact Assessment Symposium in Canberra from 3–4 September 2026. The symposium brought together more than 200 regulators, consultants, academics and technical specialists working in environmental and social impact assessment.
Every major development in Fiji, from resorts and housing subdivisions to quarries and infrastructure, must go through an EIA process, which examines the environmental impacts before approval is given.
At the symposium, the officers learnt current practice in:
– identifying environmental and social risks early
– avoiding and reducing harm from development
– engaging communities
– planning for development at a wider landscape and regional scale.
The knowledge gained will be applied directly in the Ministry’s assessment, approval and monitoring of development proposals under the Environment Management Act 2005, and its amendments. This means stronger scrutiny of projects and better protection for the communities and ecosystems they affect.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, said well-trained and resourced EIA officers were Fiji’s first line of defense against poorly planned development.
“Strengthening the skills of our EIA officers means Fiji is better equipped to identify environmental risks early, make informed decisions and ensure development proceeds responsibly while safeguarding our environment,” Dr Michael said.
The Ministry extends its appreciation towards the World Bank for its financial support, which made the officers’ participation possible. The support reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Fiji’s environmental systems and institutions.
The Ministry remains committed to building the capacity of its staff so that development in Fiji benefits people without costing the environment.