The New Zealand Government has announced a further $15.1 million of climate change support for Fiji to respond to the impacts of climate change.
This was revealed by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins during his meeting with his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka in Wellington.
Hipkins indicated they had an inspired discussion on how they can further cooperate on combating the effects of climate change, as it’s clear that it remains the single greatest threat to lives and livelihoods in the Pacific region.
“Many New Zealanders have experienced first hand through Cyclone Gabrielle the devastation it causes communities, and this additional funding will assist Fiji to deliver community-based climate adaptation and mitigation projects.”
The New Zealand PM said that climate change is an issue that everyone must face together, and their international climate finance commitment of $1.7 billion will help address the increased vulnerability climate change creates for economies, communities, food and water security, and ecosystems in the Pacific.
Also, the two leaders also exchanged views on a wide range of issues that are important to the two countries and region, including strengthening regional institutions, which have long served Pacific interests, as well as economic and security matters that are impacting the region.
However, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said that the Duavata Relationship Statement of Partnership is the platform from which they are able to approach issues of mutual interest and importance to Fiji and New Zealand, such as climate change, social well-being, regional security, and building economic resilience.
Rabuka said that the additional funding from New Zealand is very welcome as it will support Fiji to implement discrete projects in renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, climate policy, and capacity strengthening.
