Australia remains committed to assisting rural communities in Fiji adapt to Climate Change impacts

24 June 2010

The Australian Government will provide an additional F$650,000 over the next three years to ensure continuation of the Climate Change Adaptation in Rural Communities in Fiji Project which began in 2006.

This was announced today by Mr Ryan Medrana, a First Secretary for the Australian aid program in Fiji, when he opened a two-day workshop to mark the completion of the project in six rural communities around the country.

With Australian funding of F$500,000 in 2006, the project which is managed by the University of the South Pacific (USP), enabled the six rural communities in Fiji to put in place adaptation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods and environment.

The UNDP also provided funding to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for the project.

Convened by the USP, the two-day workshop brings together representatives from the six participating communities to share the benefits, experiences and lessons learnt since 2006.

Through the Climate Change Adaptation in Rural Communities in Fiji Project, water supply was improved in Bavu, Votua and Druadrua villages through the provision of much needed water tanks, roof guttering for rain water collection, and the laying of water pipes and installation of water pumps.

Funds were also utilized in Bureta, Korotasere, and Navukailagi villages to implement cost effective initiatives to protect their coastal areas from erosion and flooding through the planting of mangroves and vetiver grass, and the construction and reinforcement of river bank protection structures.

Today’s funding announcement will enable the project to be replicated in six other rural communities around the country.

“Australia is pleased to see this project has had a positive impact in all the participating villages and we congratulate USP and the communities on their good work,” Mr Medrana said.

“We are committed to assisting other vulnerable communities around Fiji adapt to the impacts of climate change,” he said.

The additional funds are being provided through Australia’s International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative which was established in 2008 to meet high priority climate adaptation needs in vulnerable countries in the region.

**ENDS**