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Roles & Responsibilities

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) performs a wide range of critical national functions that safeguard Fiji’s environment, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainable development. Our work spans regulatory, technical, community-focused, and policy-coordinating roles.

Regulatory Role: Upholding Environmental Standards & Compliance

  • Administering the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process
  • Managing permits for waste, pollution control, Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), and Endangered & Protected Species (EPS)
  • Overseeing plastic import/export, waste facilities, and emissions standards
  • Ensuring compliance with the Environment Management Act, Litter Act, ODS Act, EPS Act, and Climate Change Act

Through this role, we protect ecosystems, manage risks, ensure responsible development, and prevent environmental harm.

Project Management: Scaling Sustainable Solutions

We design, manage, and implement environmental and climate projects across Fiji, including:

  • Coastal protection and mangrove rehabilitation
  • Oceans governance and marine conservation
  • Biodiversity protection
  • Waste management improvements
  • Community-based adaptation initiatives
  • Major infrastructure such as the Naboro Landfill

Projects are co-designed with communities and partners to ensure long-term benefits and resilience.

Resource Mobilisation: Securing Finance for National Priorities

We mobilise domestic and international financing to implement Fiji’s environmental and climate commitments.
Our responsibilities include:

  • Developing proposals for climate finance (e.g., GCF, GEF)
  • Coordinating with development partners and donors
  • Supporting national climate finance strategies
  • Facilitating public–private partnerships and leveraging private sector investment

From 2012–2024, Fiji mobilised over USD 279 million in climate finance — MECC plays a central role in expanding this.

Partnership Brokering: Strengthening Local, Regional & Global Collaboration

Environmental and climate challenges require collective solutions.
MECC leads multi-stakeholder collaboration by:

  • Coordinating with ministries, provincial offices, and communities
  • Engaging regional and international organisations
  • Supporting civil society, academia, and traditional leaders
  • Elevating Fiji’s voice in global climate and biodiversity negotiations

We create enabling partnerships that align resources, expertise, and innovation.

Community Engagement, Education & Advocacy

People are at the heart of environmental stewardship.
MECC supports:

  • National awareness campaigns
  • Community outreach and training
  • Behaviour change initiatives
  • Restoring traditional knowledge and nature-based practices
  • Youth engagement and education programs

By empowering communities, we strengthen local leadership and resilience.

Knowledge Management & Learning

We manage environmental and climate information to support decision-making, regulatory services, and national planning.
This includes:

  • Maintaining climate and environmental data
  • Supporting internal learning systems
  • Ensuring evidence-based policy design
  • Strengthening data sharing and reporting

Effective knowledge systems support transparency, accountability, and scientific integrity.

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