Displacement guidelines

THERE is an urgent need for proper adaptation planning within local communities to ensure Fijians are not forced out of their homes after a disaster or because of other impacts of climate change.

Speaking during the stakeholder consultation on the displacement guidelines for Fiji in Suva on Wednesday, Ministry of Economy permanent secretary Makereta Konrote said the process of sustainably moving a community or household was complex, potentially very costly and emotionally difficult for those involved.

“Such a process needs to take into account long term viability and survival, including options for gainful economic opportunities as well as ensuring the necessary support and services to the affected communities,” she said.

Through the development of a displacement guideline, she said Government was taking proactive steps to minimise the displacement and in the event that displacement occurred, the protection of the affected people and their livelihoods were secured.

“So these consultations with communities, state actors and non-state actors are important because it gives Government the information and data that will ensure the guidelines are comprehensive and as inclusive as possible.”

Meanwhile, the National Displacement Guidelines will also align to other key national documents, including Fiji’s Five-year and 20-year National Development Plan, Fiji’s Green Growth Framework, the National Climate Change Policy, National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy, and Fiji’s National Adaptation Plan and the Climate Vulnerability Assessment.