The University of Fiji today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP and the Archipelagic and Island States forum for research to be conducted by the University in two Pacific Island states, Fiji and Vanuatu, into how local and traditional knowledge can be used to mitigate the effects of climate change in coastal villages.
The MOU was signed as part of a senior officials’ meeting at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem signed the MOU with the Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, Norimasa Shimomura, as part of the opening ceremony of the meeting.
Professor Shameem says the MOU was a significant achievement for the University as it provides funding for research into traditional and local knowledge for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
She says the research is part of the University’s campaign for a Circular Economy Policy to be adapted to local conditions and challenges.
Professor Shameem says the themes of the official meeting fitted well into the University’s aim to be the leading opinion-shaper on climate change issues in the Pacific.
The meeting was attended by representatives of countries considered to be archipelagic and island states like Fiji, Indonesia, Tuvalu, Cuba, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Cyprus, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the United Kingdom, Madagascar, Seychelles, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Comoros, New Zealand and the Marshall Islands.
Assistant Minister from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, was Chief Guest at the Meeting.
The AIS Forum is a global initiative that brings together 47 archipelagic and island nations in a collective forum to address ocean resource usage for sustainable economic growth, climate change resiliency, ocean pollution, emergency management, and the enhancement of sustainable fisheries.
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