With the need for countries to continue finding ways to mitigate and manage the ever-increasing impacts of Climate Change globally, Fiji is amongst many other nations globally that is adopting the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments (CCVAs), emerging tools that can be used as an initial step in the adaptation planning process. A CCVA focuses on species, habitats, or systems of interest, and helps identify the greatest risks to them from climate change impacts.
On the margins of COP28 in Dubai, Fiji’s Lead Negotiator Ambassador Amena Yauvoli, took the opportunity to hosting a panel discussion which included Fiji’s Director National Disaster Management Office Vasiti Soko, Leba Gaunavinaka, the Common Sensing Country Coordinator at the Climate Change Division, Acting Director Meteorology, Bipen Prakash, SPC’s Deputy Director for the Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP), Exsley Taloiburi, and Carlos Uributel of the UNDRR.
Ambassador Yauvoli said that SOP for Planned Relocation represents a significant milestone in Fiji’s efforts to address the devastating impacts of climate change, driving communities to relocate. The accompanying Comprehensive Risk Assessment Methodology will also be a significant product as it details the processes to assess current and future risks faced by our local communities.
Yauvoli further explained that the processes also included the assessment of intangible assets, such as traditional knowledge passed down over generations, traditional social structures defining roles and identities, and culturally significant sites.
“Recent studies conducted in Fiji have revealed that the fragmentation of cultural practices and structures, as well as the loss of ancestral land and ecosystems, contribute to the increased vulnerability of affected communities. This vulnerability results in diminished physical and mental ability to cope with the stresses created by the climate crisis.”
Experiences from relocated and affected communities reveal multi-layered traumas and deep-seated psychological distress that have a profound and disabling effect on the mental and physical well-being of the affected population. It is therefore essential that any current and potential loss and damage of our intangible assets are measured and monitored.
The Loss and Damage Fund was formally adopted recently with pledges currently at more than $400 million. Small island states, including our Pacific Island States, have been pushing for this fund for more than 30 years, and we all celebrate its operationalisation.
Ambassador Yauvoli, however, cautioned that decisive actions must be taken to ensure that these funds are swiftly mobilised to reach our vulnerable communities
Ambassador Amena Yauvoli and members of the panelAmbassador Amena Yauvoli making hos welcoming remarks at the panel discussions on Comprehensive Risk Assessment Methodology.
