The fight against climate change has received a major boost following the $5 million contribution from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand to the Government’s Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund, reinforcing the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries on climate resilience and sustainable development.
The government says the funding will provide critical support for Fiji’s planned relocation programme, ensuring that communities facing severe climate risks, including Nabavatu, have access to the resources required for safe, dignified and sustainable relocation when all adaptation options have been exhausted.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka welcomed the contribution and acknowledged New Zealand’s continued leadership and partnership in supporting Pacific communities.
Rabuka says he thanked the Government and people of New Zealand for their continued partnership with Fiji, and says this contribution reflects the shared commitment to Pacific resilience, climate leadership, and standing together in support of communities most affected by climate change.
He says New Zealand remains a valued and trusted partner in Fiji’s climate response.
The Prime Minister adds that as the first country to provide dedicated financing to the Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund in 2020, New Zealand has demonstrated consistent leadership in supporting vulnerable communities in Fiji and across the Pacific.
The government says the Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund was established in 2019 to support the orderly, inclusive and dignified relocation of communities at risk from climate change.
They say Fiji’s Planned Relocation Guidelines and accompanying Standard Operating Procedures provide a clear, community-centred framework that places affected communities at the heart of decision-making, supported by government and development partners.
It says the government continues to emphasise that relocation is a measure of last resort, as every effort is made to pursue in-situ adaptation before relocation is considered.
They add that where relocation becomes unavoidable, the Government’s Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund framework ensures a coordinated, multi-agency and multi-stakeholder approach that safeguards livelihoods, culture, land rights and social cohesion.
