The National Climate Change Policy will be translated into the iTaukei and Hindi languages to assist people at the grassroots level better understand the situation says Ministry for Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Amena Yauvoli.
It will also allow villages to work towards mitigation and adaptation practices.
The recommendation was made during the 2013 National Climate Change Summit at Narewa Village in Nadi on Tuesday August 13.
“We need to start thinking on how we can filter the messages to the people on the ground so the first step will be to translate the national document in the two major languages,” Mr Yauvoli said.
“We started with the translation of the glossary last year and the task is now to ensure messages are sift down to those who matter the most – the people.”
There is also a need to establish a green climate fund which the United National Development Programme (UNDP) has secured.
“At regional level there are various bodies that have been put in place to specifically address and advocate for climate change,” Mr Yauvoli said.
And as the summit entered sessions into its second day, he highlighted some of the achievements of government towards adaptation and mitigation.
“Government is committed to meeting at least 90 per cent of our total energy requirements through renewable sources,” the permanent secretary said.
Already 60 per cent of Fiji’s energy needs are being met from renewable energy sources now that the Nadarivatu Hydro-electric Scheme is running.
“There is also a seven-year tax holidays for renewable energy companies willing to establish themselves in Fiji and have reduced to zero, the duty on renewable energy equipment,” Mr Yauvoli said.
He has urged non – governmental organizations (NGO) and development partners on the need for better co-ordination.
