Expanding access to climate-resilient services for rural and hard-to-reach communities was a key focus of discussions at the FDB Climate Resilient Finance Workshop today.
This was highlighted by Green Growth Planning and Implementation Development Economist Pelumi Ajayi.
Ajayi suggests the need to look across all secondary and primary schools, as well as tertiary institutions such as the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University, and the University of Fiji, working towards the exclusive use of renewable energy.
He noted that this would significantly reduce spending on diesel and reliance on fossil fuels, saving costs, protecting the environment, and building long-term sustainability.
Ajayi also suggests the potential use of ferry services from the Nausori–Rewa Bridge to the Suva Wharf to reduce travel time.
Meanwhile, a participant at the workshop stressed that for a ferry service to operate between the Rewa Bridge and Suva City, would require adequate parking facilities, adding that this must be looked at realistically before implementing such a project, suggesting that having three ferries operating along the route could help ease transport challenges.
Responding to the concern, Ajayi says the project should not focus solely on water transport, emphasising the importance of viewing transport in totality through a multi-model or integrated transport system, ensuring the project fits into the overall transport network and is designed accordingly.
The FDB Climate Resilient Finance Workshop continues tomorrow.
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climate change
FDB workshop calls for inclusive climate-resilient solutions
