Fiji Climate Change Country Profile

Fiji Climate Change Country Profile AF ADB AusAID CSIRO EEZ EMA ESSP GEF GIZ GRFI IFRC INC IUCN JNAP MFNP NCCP NCCT NCSA NTF PACC- SAP PACC PCSSP PIGGAREP PNG SCCF SPA SPC SPREP UNDP UNFCCC USP WHO WWF Adaptation Fund Asian Development Bank Australian Agency for International Development Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Exclusive Economic Zone Environment Management Act Education Sector Strategic Plan Global Environment Facility Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (Germany) Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Initial National Communication International Union for the Conservation of Nature Joint National Action Plan Ministry of Finance and National Planning National Climate Change Policy National Climate Change Country Team National Capacity Self- Assessment National Trust of Fiji Pacific- Australia Climate Change Science Adaptation Planning program Pacific Islands Adaptation to Climate Change Project Pacific Climate Science Support Programme Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement Through Renewable Energy Project Papua New Guinea Special Climate Change Fund Strategic Priority for Adaptation (Global Environment Facility) Secretariat of the Pacific Community Secretariat to Pacific Regional Environmental Program United Nations Development Programme United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change University of the South Pacific World Health Organisation World Wildlife Fund 1. Country Overview Located approximately 1,100 miles off of the northeast of New Zealand s north island, the Republic of Fiji is composed of over 330 islands. Fiji s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) comprises 1.3 million square kilometres; approximately a third of the 330 islands are inhabited. The two major islands make up 87% of the total land area, and are of volcanic origin. The numerous smaller islands are a mixture of volcanic, low- lying atolls, and elevated reefs. The largest islands have a diverse range of terrestrial ecosystems, including extensive areas of indigenous forest. Coastal ecosystems include

mangroves, algae and sea- grass beds in shallow reef and lagoon areas, and various reef types such as barrier, fringing platform and atoll or patch reefs. 1 The current population of Fiji is approximately 840,000 (2007 Census) of which more than 670,000 (or more than 80%) live on the main island of Viti Levu. The Western Division, comprising the south eastern, western, and north western half of Viti Levu and including the urban areas of Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, has a population of about 330,000, of which about 15,000 live in and around the Ba catchment area. Fiji is one of the most economically developed countries in the Pacific Island realm due to an abundance of forest, mineral and marine resources. Its main industries are tourism and sugar exports. 2 However, a recent estimate based on a review of the 2008/2009 Household Income and Expenditure Survey 3 notes that one- third of the national population ( 270,000 people) is living in poverty. Poverty is particularly acute in rural agricultural areas, including the Ba region. 4 With climate change in Fiji, temperatures have increased, sea level has risen and ocean acidification has been increasing. Climate change is expected to affect the country s coastal resources through sea level rise, and ocean acidification continues to increase and threaten coral reef ecosystems. There are anticipated impacts on infrastructure caused by the projected increase in the frequency and intensity of cyclones and other tropical storms. 5 Additionally, temperature will continue to increase, rainfall patterns will change, there will be less frequent (but more intense) tropical cyclones, sea levels will continue to rise and ocean acidification will continue. Projections for all emissions scenarios indicate that the annual average air temperature and sea surface temperature will increase in the future in Fiji. By 2030, under a high emissions scenario, this increase in temperature is projected to be in the range of 0.4 1.0 C. Increases in the average temperature will also result in a rise in the number of hot days and warm nights and a decline in cooler weather. 1 Adaptation Fund Proposal - Fiji 2011, p. 1 and Fiji s First National Communication Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, 2005. 2 Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands [GRFI] (2009). Our Country. Retrieved from Fiji Government Online Portal: http://fiji.gov.fj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=645&itemid=196 3 http://www.spc.int/prism/fjtest/cens&surveys/preliminary%20report%20on%20the%202008-09%20hies%20.pdf 4 Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Census 2007. 5 Ministry of Finance and National Planning [MFNP] (2005). Climate Change The Fiji Islands Response. Fiji's First National Communication Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/fjinc1.pdf

Source: Taken from Map No. 3974 Rev. 15 (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), United Nations, July 2007. Source: SPC, 2013. 2. Key National Policies, Plans and Strategies

The Fiji Department of the Environment s Initial National Communication (INC) under the Framework Convention on Climate Change, submitted in 2006, outlines the climate change situation for Fiji and details adaptation measures for the country. Fiji s INC focuses on several projects: 1) establishment of a Climate Change Unit within the Department of Environment; 2) promotion of renewable energy; 3) natural vulnerability and adaptation assessment study; 4) watershed management for the sugarcane drought- prone areas; and 5) integrated coastal zone management. This detailed document introduces several mitigation techniques and strategies for reaching their goals via the main projects proposed for Fiji. The adaptation response strategies defined within Fiji s INC advocated for effective integrated national adaptation policies which would facilitate win- win scenarios, or policies that would be beneficial nationally even in the absence of climate change. Building on this effort, Fiji integrated climate change considerations into its Strategic Development Plan (2007 2011). This plan is an all- encompassing document that outlines the development strategy for the country in terms of environment, economy, human health, tourism, marine resources and many other areas. Climate change adaptation and mitigation is a theme found throughout the document and as its own separate discussion piece. The production of Fiji s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, National Land Use Policy (Land Use Department, 2005), the Initial National Communication on Climate Change Strategic Actions (2006), Solid and Liquid Waste Strategies (2006), Endangered and Protected Species ACT (2002), Environment Management Act (EMA) 2005 and the scheduled Litter Act for 2008 provides a framework for sustainable management of land and water resources. In 2007, Cabinet endorsed Fiji s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) Framework, which defined the position of government and other stakeholders on issues of climate change, climate variability and sea level rise. It also defined the various responsibilities of each stakeholder in the short and long term. The framework underwent review in 2011 to reflect current and emerging climate change issues at the local, national and international level. The revised, Republic of Fiji, National Climate Change Policy, 2012, was prepared by the Government of the Republic of Fiji, in consultation with the National Climate Change Country Team and national and divisional stakeholders. 6 The reviewing and updating of the framework led to the development of this NCCP, in accordance with the 2011 Corporate Plan of the Department of Environment under its Climate Change Programme. The policy provides a platform for co- ordination among sectors, and direction on national positions and priorities regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation. The policy recognises the need for constructive co- operation among all relevant sectors. This interdisciplinary and multi- sectoral approach is emphasised in Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro. In the Pacific region, intergovernmental organisations such as the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), along with representatives from academia such as the University of the South Pacific (USP), are implementing regional climate change programmes that support the development of national programmes and policies. 6 Republic of Fiji, National Climate Change Policy, 2012. Accessed on 29 May 2013: http://www.foreignaffairs.gov.fj/images/fiji%20national%20climate%20change%20policy.pdf

Currently, Fiji s Joint National Action Plan (JNAP) for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation is under development. The JNAP will provide a roadmap for building a more resilient Fiji. The JNAP also intends to provide details on establishing a more co- ordinated approach to dealing with disaster risk reduction and climate change issues by various agencies. List of Publications A list of nationally produced publications, including Key National Policies, Plans and Strategies, relating to climate change dating back to last 5+ years: Document Title Organisation/Author Link Climate Change The Fiji Islands Response: Fiji s First National Communication Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change 2005 PICCAP, Department of Environment http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/ natc/fjinc1.pdf Climate Change Policy: Fiji 2010 Country Report No.4: Fiji 1998 Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific: An Institutional and Policy Analysis Environment: Fiji: The National State of the Environment Report Fiji Islands Environment Management Act 2005 Fiji National Report to UNCED Final Report Thematic Assessment: Climate Change UNFCCC: Fiji 2008 National Action Plan to Combat Desertification/Land Degradation and to Mitigate Against Drought: Republic of the Fiji Islands National Capacity Self- Assessment (NCSA) Inception Report: Fiji 2008 National Capacity Self- Assessment (NCSA) Stock take Report: Fiji 2008 National Climate Change Country Team, Ministry for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment SPEC, SPC, UNEP, SPREP ISDR, UNDP, GFDRR IUCN Republic of Fiji Republic of Fiji Ministry for Housing and Urban Development NCSA, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests UNCCD, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests NCSA, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests NCSA, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests http://www.fiji.gov.fj/index.php?option=com_content&view=art icle&id=3476:climate- change- policy&catid=71:press- releases&itemid=155 COPIES/Countries/Fiji/26.pdf http://www.unisdr.org/files/267 25_26725drrandccainthepacifica ninstitu.pdf COPIES/Countries/Fiji/84.pdf http://web.archive.org/web/201 11208140153/http://www.envir onment.gov.fj/pdf/policies/acts %20and%20Regulations/Environ ment%20management%20act% 202005.pdf COPIES/Countries/Fiji/27.pdf http://www.sprep.org/att/irc/ec opies/countries/fiji/122.pdf http://www.sprep.org/att/irc/ec opies/countries/fiji/125.pdf COPIES/Countries/Fiji/97.pdf COPIES/Countries/Fiji/96.pdf National Strategy and Action Plan: Final NCSA, Department of http://www.sprep.org/att/irc/ec

Report: Fiji 2009 Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Fiji Islands: Report of In- Country Consultations Pacific Country Report on Sea Level & Climate: Their Present State: Fiji 2006 Preparing Fiji s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (NCCAS) Reducing the Risk of Disasters and Climate Variability in the Pacific Islands: Republic of Fiji Country Assessment Republic of Fiji National Climate Change Policy: 2012 Environment, Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment GEF, UNDP, SPREP AusAID GOPA GFDRR, World Bank, SOPAC Government of the Republic of Fiji, National Climate Change Country Team, SPC opies/countries/fiji/124.pdf COPIES/Countries/Fiji/94.pdf COPIES/Countries/Fiji/5.pdf http://www.pacificdisaster.net/ pdnadmin/data/original/fji_ncc AS_2011_preparation.pdf http://web.archive.org/web/201 21021025353/http://siteresourc es.worldbank.org/intpacificisl ANDS/Resources/FIJI_ASSESSME NT.pdf http://www.sprep.org/attachme nts/climate_change/fiji- National- Climate- Change- Policy.pdf For additional information, the websites below may be useful: Pacific Environment Information Network (PEIN) Country Profile: Fiji SPREP: Current Adaptation Programmes - Joint National Action Plans (JNAPs) UNDP- ALM: Supporting LDCs to advance National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) Fiji s First National Communication Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change Fiji s Strategic Development Plan (2007-2011) Fiji s Climate Change Policy 3. National Climate Change Priorities Fiji in 2006, submitted its first National Communications Report to the UNFCCC, in which it highlighted its prioritized national vulnerabilities to climate change impacts. These national priorities fell under four focal areas; coastal resources, water, food security and health. In the INC (2006) Fiji identified four main sectors in which adaptation strategies need to be assessed, planned and carried out: 1. Coastal resources, with the following identified adaptation needs: An improved understanding of the coastal system, examination and evaluation of coastal protection options; Land use policies that encourage settlement away from low- lying coastal areas;

Mangrove and reef protection, including exploration of the use of artificial reefs to enhance coastal protection; alternative sources of construction aggregate (i.e. not coral); reducing use and cutting of mangrove areas; and mangrove rehabilitation; Controls on pollution from residential, tourism, commercial and industrial areas; and Water- catchment management and soil- conservation measures to reduce erosion and sedimentation. 2. Freshwater Resources, with the following identified adaptation needs: Flood Control: Construction of diversion channels, weirs, cut- off channels, retarding basins and dams; and river- improvement activities such as channel widening, dyke construction or river- bed excavation. Drought alleviation: Management of water resources; water legislation; development of alternative water resources such as groundwater and the use of roof catchments; and consumer charges for water use. Catchment Management: Reforestation, land- use controls, protection of wetlands and soil conservation; reducing flood- damage potential by regulating development on flood plains and promoting flood- proof building design; community- level activities to improve awareness of water conservation and emergency response; and institutional development such as the creation of catchment and water authorities would help build capacity to improve the management of water resources. 3. Agriculture, with the following identified adaptation needs: Researching flexible farming systems that are tolerant to climatic variability, development of sustainable production systems, and melding of traditional and modern systems. Establishment of an Agricultural Diversification Scheme (under the Commodity Development Framework). Cessation of sugarcane production on marginal sloping lands and coastal lands, and intensified irrigation of sugar cane production on more suitable lands. Strengthening of land use planning in order to identify most suitable areas for adaptation commercial and subsistence based crops. Root crop breeding program and development of improved irrigation systems. 4. Human Health, with the following identified adaptation needs: Dengue Fever control: encourage prevention, improve quarantine, epidemic preparedness response and implement proper development policies. Diarrheal Disease: improve reliability, safety and sanitation of water, refrigeration practices, emergency strategies and health care access. Links to the national environment website where these priorities are listed: Fiji Department of Environment Republic of Fiji, National Climate Change Policy, 2012 UNFCCC: Fiji s National Communication, 2006

5. Governance The national framework is outlined in the People s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress (December 2008), which serves as the umbrella framework for national development. The Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio- economic Development 2009 2014 defines the implementation framework for the charter. The NCCP will serve as an implementing tool for many of the strategies outlined in the charter, such as: environmental protection, sustainable management and utilisation of natural resources; strengthening institutional capacity for environmental management; and strengthening food security The Climate Change Unit is responsible for delivering the NCCP and co- ordinating climate change programmes and projects in Fiji. The Unit was established in the Department of Environment in 2009. It currently has one established staff member and five project staff. On 11 November 2011, the Climate Change Unit was moved from the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment to the Division of Political and Treaties in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The designated national focal point for the UNFCCC made the same move, from the Permanent Secretary of the one ministry to the other. The relocation of the Climate Change Unit was a strategic move to strengthen political and national support for climate change activities in Fiji. The Director of the Political and Treaties Division has overall responsibility for the unit. In 1997, the National Climate Change Country Team (NCCCT) was established with representatives from a range of government agencies, non- governmental organisations and academic institutions. The team was established primarily to facilitate the development of the Fiji Initial National Communication (INC) to the UNFCCC Secretariat. The NCCCT was revived in 2010, and now serves as the main platform for information sharing and climate change project progress reporting. The NCCCT also provides direction and guidance to the Climate Change Unit on climate change- related matters. In 2010, the country re- established its National Climate Change Country Team, which was given responsibility for preparation of a Climate Change Policy. The Climate Change Country Team is chaired by Mr Amena Yauvoli, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Linked to this initiative are ongoing efforts to establish a National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. It is expected that this strategy will support the integration of adaptation into core functional activities, include an action plan to address adaptation needs, and be aligned with existing strategies, policies and action plans (Hay, 2011). In addition, the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with other Government Ministries and Departments, Institutions, NGOs, and through donor funding, has implemented various environment programmes throughout Fiji related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable biological resource use, climate change, waste and pollution, development control and other programmes related to Fiji s obligations under regional and multilateral agreements. The National Trust of Fiji (NTF), a statutory body funded jointly by the Fiji Government, independent donors and multi- lateral projects, was established in 1970 to provide for the protection of Fiji s

natural, cultural and national heritage. The NTF is the only National Trust of the South Pacific region and specializes in both the natural and cultural aspects of heritage conservation. 6. Adaptation Fiji has identified four main sectors in which adaptation strategies need to be assessed, planned and carried out: coastal resources, water, food security and health. 7 A very high number of adaptation projects and programs are currently underway in Fiji. All of these projects engage other countries from across the Pacific and globally; no projects that solely meets Fiji s individual needs have been identified. The focus of these projects is diverse, including coastal management, water management, wetlands, agriculture, meteorology and risk reduction as well as health, fisheries, forestry and energy. 8 Fiji is actively engaged in addressing climate change at both the policy and project level. Relative to other Pacific Island countries, Fiji s involvement with international projects is sizable, including its unique participation in the World Health Organization s Piloting Climate Change Adaptation to Protect Human Health project. This project helps Fiji address one of its four priority areas of adaptation, with human health being the least represented within on- going initiatives. Additionally there is a new project funded by the Adaptation Fund entitled: Enhancing Resilience to Flood- and Drought- Related Risks in Fiji. 7 Ministry of Finance and National Planning [MFNP] (2005). Climate Change The Fiji Islands Response. Fiji's First National Communication Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved from http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/fjinc1.pdf 8 Dohan, Rosemary; Hove, Hilary; Echeverría, Daniella; Hammill, Anne; Parry, Jo- Ellen. (2011) Review of Current and Planned Adaptation Action: The Pacific. Adaptation Partnership / International Institute for Sustainable Development, p. 62-63.