Fiji Strengthens Climate Resilience and Maritime Safety Through Key International Commitments

Fiji has taken significant steps to enhance both its climate resilience and maritime safety, following two important motions presented in Parliament by Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga.

In the first motion, Fiji moved to ratify the Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-led initiative aimed at strengthening the region’s response to climate change and disaster risks. The agreement was signed during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, demonstrating Fiji’s ongoing commitment to regional collaboration.

The PRF is designed to provide grant-based funding for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and community resilience. Unlike traditional financing mechanisms, it offers grants rather than loans, ensuring that Pacific Island countries can access vital funding without increasing their debt burdens. The facility will be headquartered in Nukuʻalofa and is expected to make climate finance more accessible, particularly for community-based projects that often struggle to secure funding.

According to Hon Turaga, Fiji’s obligations under the agreement are minimal, with no requirement for new legislation or mandatory financial contributions. Safeguards are also in place to ensure that member countries are not liable for the facility’s debts. Ratifying the agreement will enable Fiji to access funding that directly benefits local communities and strengthens national resilience.

In a separate motion, Hon Turaga also presented a proposal for Fiji to accede to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979. This move aims to improve the country’s capacity to respond to maritime emergencies and enhance coordination in search and rescue operations.

While Fiji already conducts such operations, accession to the Convention will provide a clear international legal framework to support and strengthen these efforts. It is also expected to reinforce the constitutional right to life by improving rescue services, medical response, and safety measures at sea.

Hon Turaga noted that adopting the Convention “as amended” allows Fiji to remain aligned with evolving global standards while retaining the flexibility to object to changes that may not align with national interests.

Together, these motions highlight Fiji’s commitment to strengthening both regional cooperation and international engagement, while prioritizing the safety, resilience, and well-being of its people in the face of growing environmental and maritime challenges.