PM Launches Our Adaptation Plan at COP24

He also appealed to the industrial nations to meet and increase their commitments to the Green Climate Fund and for more focus on deploying those and other investments to where they are needed most.

COP23 President and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday launched the Fiji Low Emission Development Strategy in Katowice, Poland. The launch took place at the Koronivia and Pacific Pavilion. Speaking at the event, Mr Bainimarama said that the Low Emission Development Strategy was a living document designed to inspire action that “we can add to at any time on the journey that will take us to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner.”

He said no Pacific island nation has ever undertaken such a thorough or comprehensive study on an economy-wide, low carbon development strategy.

“But we haven’t done this on our own. And I want to pay particular tribute to the Global Green Growth Institute for the technical expertise it has provided for this and other projects in Fiji,” Mr Bainimarama said.

He also appealed to the industrial nations to meet and increase their commitments to the Green Climate Fund and for more focus on deploying those and other investments to where they are needed most. Fiji’s High Level Climate Champion and Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu also launched Fiji’s Planned Relocation Guidelines.

Mr Seruiratu said that the Planned Relocation Guidelines reiterates Fiji’s commitment towards climate change adaptation and building resilience in communities.

“To date, a total of three villages have already been successfully fully relocated in Fiji, two partially relocated and two more in the initial stages of relocation.

“And according to the Fijian Green Growth Framework, there are around 42 more communities recommended for relocation. Proper scientific assessment of the dynamics of these communities is critical.”

Mr Seruiratu added that the Fijian Government was making long term preparations that will be accompanied by reliable hazard maps and socio-economic studies that depict scenarios of hazards in a community.

He also acknowledged the German Government and the European Union for their increasing and continuous support for Fiji’s climate change projects.