Climate Change issues were again at the centre of discussion Friday November 16 as the Fiji National Climate Change Country team got an update on their current activities.
Activities under discussion included National Climate Change Policy Workshop, endorsement of the new structure, climate change portal, iTaukei Climate Change Glossary and the National Summit Outcomes.
Director Political Treaties/Climate Change Unit Esala Nayasi said the work currently being done by Climate Change Country Team is in line with Government directive to formulate a Climate Change Policy for Fiji.
“The NCCT would provide the Government guidance and policy advice on climate change related matters,” Mr Nayasi said.
Chairman of the Fiji National Climate Change Country team and permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Saipora Mataikabara said the challenge is to reduce the gap between climate change stakeholders and the grassroots people.
“It is important for the grassroots people to understand the terms used in climate change and we need to inform them of these changes we are engaging in,” she said.
Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs Savenaca Kaunisela said the climate change country team is currently formulating a glossary of climate change terms which are being translated into the itaukei language.
“Some terms like ‘climate change ‘ is being translated as into the itaukei language as ‘draki veisau’ and other terms which will take time for people to become familiar with but once they get use to it will be alright,” Mr Kaunisela said.
Permanent Secretary for National Planning Pita Wise said the issue of including climate change into government departments and national planning is very important.
“Climate change is such a huge issue because it affects government’s economy and the lives of our people in vulnerable areas so it requires strong, concerted, consistent and enduring action by government,” Mr Wise said.
