Ratify or miss out, Fiji warned on Pacific climate fund

If Fiji does not ratify a new Pacific climate treaty, the fund will proceed anyway — just without Fiji having any say in how the money is spent.

This was the warning from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change permanent secretary Sivendra Michael to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence yesterday.

Mr Michael urged support for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).

The PRF is a Pacific‑owned fund that will provide grants — free money, not loans — to communities for climate adaptation, disaster recovery and rebuilding after extreme weather events such as cyclones and flooding.

“The question is not whether PRF exists. The question is whether Fiji has a seat at the table,” Mr Michael said.

He said seven Forum member countries plus Tonga were enough to bring the treaty into force, meaning it would be established with or without Fiji.

Without membership, Fiji would not be able to influence the PRF’s rules, shape how funding is prioritised, or nominate directors to its board.

Mr Michael said joining was firmly in Fiji’s national interest — the facility provides grants, carries no financial liability for member governments, and strengthens Fiji’s standing as a Pacific leader on climate.

“We join because our communities need faster, simpler, fairer access to climate finance,” he said.

Committee member Virendra Lal said the committee supported Fiji’s participation, a sentiment echoed by chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua.

Parliament must formally approve ratification under Section 51 of the 2013 Constitution.

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