Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 23:56
MINISTER DITOKA COMMENDS USAID SUPPORT IN...
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka has expressed Fiji's deep appreciation to the United States Government and USAID for their continuous support in disaster risk management.
During a bilateral meeting with USAID's Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific Mr. Benjamin Hemingway, Minister Ditoka highlighted the long-standing relationship with USAID. Yesterday's meeting marked a powerful step in advancing the United States' cooperation with Fiji in the area of Disaster Risk Management.
The two leaders discussed ways and means to advance key community resilience strengthening strategies as well as disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness priorities for Fiji.
Opportunities on cross-governmental and cross-regional learning experiences through peer-to-peer exchanges were also discussed. The meeting also highlighted the role of regulatory preparedness and the role of law and policy framework in disaster risk management.
"Since 2013, USAID/OFDA has provided over $1.8 million in assistance, not only supporting our response efforts but also enhancing coordination and capacity-building within Fijian communities and relief agencies," Minister Ditoka said.
He also acknowledged USAID's critical funding support to the Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) through the provision of a technical advisor.
This advisor has been instrumental in the formulation of key policies, including the National Disaster Risk Management Act, National Humanitarian Policy, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy.
USAID has also funded disaster preparedness programmes through partners like the Red Cross, UN agencies, and other international and local non-governmental organisations. These contributions, he said had been invaluable in strengthening the resilience of Fijian communities and ensuring they were well-prepared for catastrophic events.
Minister Ditoka also highlighted specific initiatives supported by USAID in the area of geohazards. The Earthquake Disaster Assistance Team's training and the installation of earthquake observation stations in Labasa, as well as the upcoming Volcanic Disaster Adaptation Programme, were commended as essential steps in improving Fiji's response capabilities.
The Landslide Disaster Assistance Team's collaboration with Fiji's Geological Survey Division to create Susceptibility Landslide Maps was also noted as a key achievement.
Fiji's commitment to integrating nature-based solutions in disaster risk reduction (DRR) was also discussed during the meeting. Minister Ditoka emphasised the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern technology to create holistic approaches to DRR.
"The protection of ecosystems and the use of indigenous knowledge are integral to our disaster programs," he stated.
Minister Ditoka also expressed Fiji's eagerness to explore peer-to-peer exchanges and training opportunities with organisations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He also highlighted Fiji's interest in leveraging remote sensing technology and LIDAR surveys, seeking USAID's support in these areas.
During a bilateral meeting with USAID's Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific Mr. Benjamin Hemingway, Minister Ditoka highlighted the long-standing relationship with USAID. Yesterday's meeting marked a powerful step in advancing the United States' cooperation with Fiji in the area of Disaster Risk Management.
The two leaders discussed ways and means to advance key community resilience strengthening strategies as well as disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness priorities for Fiji.
Opportunities on cross-governmental and cross-regional learning experiences through peer-to-peer exchanges were also discussed. The meeting also highlighted the role of regulatory preparedness and the role of law and policy framework in disaster risk management.
"Since 2013, USAID/OFDA has provided over $1.8 million in assistance, not only supporting our response efforts but also enhancing coordination and capacity-building within Fijian communities and relief agencies," Minister Ditoka said.
He also acknowledged USAID's critical funding support to the Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) through the provision of a technical advisor.
This advisor has been instrumental in the formulation of key policies, including the National Disaster Risk Management Act, National Humanitarian Policy, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy.
USAID has also funded disaster preparedness programmes through partners like the Red Cross, UN agencies, and other international and local non-governmental organisations. These contributions, he said had been invaluable in strengthening the resilience of Fijian communities and ensuring they were well-prepared for catastrophic events.
Minister Ditoka also highlighted specific initiatives supported by USAID in the area of geohazards. The Earthquake Disaster Assistance Team's training and the installation of earthquake observation stations in Labasa, as well as the upcoming Volcanic Disaster Adaptation Programme, were commended as essential steps in improving Fiji's response capabilities.
The Landslide Disaster Assistance Team's collaboration with Fiji's Geological Survey Division to create Susceptibility Landslide Maps was also noted as a key achievement.
Fiji's commitment to integrating nature-based solutions in disaster risk reduction (DRR) was also discussed during the meeting. Minister Ditoka emphasised the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern technology to create holistic approaches to DRR.
"The protection of ecosystems and the use of indigenous knowledge are integral to our disaster programs," he stated.
Minister Ditoka also expressed Fiji's eagerness to explore peer-to-peer exchanges and training opportunities with organisations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He also highlighted Fiji's interest in leveraging remote sensing technology and LIDAR surveys, seeking USAID's support in these areas.