[Suva, Fiji]- The Knowledge Exchange on Ecosystem Based Adaptation or EbA two-day workshop in Suva was hosted by the Government of Fiji in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva.
Fiji is on the front line of the climate emergency. Rising sea levels and intensifying cyclones threaten coastal communities and infrastructure, while erratic weather patterns is disrupting agriculture and drinking water supplies. These impacts have the potential to devastate local economies and uproot entire communities.
EbA is a cost-effective climate change solution that leverages nature's defences. By restoring and managing ecosystems these impacts can be reduced, enhancing community and economic resilience. This might include protecting and regenerating mangroves or provide buffering against coastal inundation. EbA can also help safeguard our globally significant biodiversity.
The Knowledge Exchange is exploring the potential application of EbA in Fiji. It was attended by representatives from organisation that include the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, WWF, Conservation International, IISD, USP, UNOSAT, members from various project communities beneficiaries district representatives and the Ministry of Finance.
Permanent Secretary for Environment, Dr Sivendra Michael.
Guest speaker at the event, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael, highlighted that EbA offers a smart and sustainable way to tackle these problems.
“Since EbA uses nature-based solutions without spending much money, acting as a shield against climate issues while also helping nature and people. For example, mangroves protect coasts from storms, coral reefs give homes to sea creatures and help local fishing, and forests manage water and reduce extreme weather effects, securing water for communities,” says Dr Michael.
The importance of EbA to Fiji's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) was stressed, highlighting its role in enhancing resilience to climate change through integrated approaches. It was noted that the NAP emphasized the need for sustainable management of ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs to reduce vulnerability to climate hazards. Partnerships with organizations like WCS-Fiji and IISD were highlighted as being crucial for successful implementation. WCS Fiji's efforts in on-the-ground conservation and community engagement were commended, as were IISD's contributions to policy development and knowledge sharing. Overall, EbA is seen as essential for Fiji's sustainable development and resilience-building efforts.
Dr Michael stresses the need for commitment to advancing EbA for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, highlighting collaboration and knowledge sharing as key.
WCS-Fiji Landscape and Watershed Manager, Ms Akanisi Caginitoba emphasized the need to prioritize EbA for climate resilience and biodiversity in Fiji, highlighting the collective effort required to overcome climate challenges. Encouraging active involvement, urging everyone to work together towards a resilient Fiji where both people and nature thrive together.
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