Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, National Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Inia Seruiratu, says that putting a National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy in place is among the imminent steps that Government is already committed to.

He was addressing participants at the 4th ABU Media Summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction at Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau. Mr Seruiratu also said the media had a big role to play in making the policies wide-spread among the public.

“Government is in the final stages of consultations on the draft National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2018-2030,” he said.

“The draft policy is aligned to the Sendai Framework by ensuring consistency in the indicators and targets between the two documents to streamline the reporting and monitoring of implementation and achievements.

“The draft policy has the overarching goal to “Foster Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction through Disaster Risk Reduction Measures”.

Mr Seruiratu said key elements were already identified and included in the policy.

“To achieve this goal, seven key strategies are identified mainstreaming disaster risk reduction, strengthening governance, increasing financing and investment, strengthening mitigation and preparedness, effective and efficient emergency response, recovery and reconstruction and knowledge and information.

“The draft Disaster Risk Reduction Policy also emphasises the need to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction actions, and the need for alignment and co-ordination among various sector policies, legislations, and plans,” he said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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