Japan backs Fiji with $27m to boost Pacific disaster warning systems

Japan is investing up to $27 million to strengthen Fiji's role as the Pacific's regional hub for weather forecasting and disaster risk reduction, boosting early warning systems for island nations vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

The first phase of equipment under the Project for the Development of Regional Centres for the Improvement of Meteorological Services and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Pacific Islands was handed over to the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) at its headquarters in Namaka, Nadi.

The handover was officiated by Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Tajima and Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Permanent Secretary Paula Baleilevuka.

Mr Tajima said the Government of Japan was providing grant assistance of up to 1.739 billion Japanese yen (FJ$27 million) for the project.

He said the investment would strengthen meteorological services and early warning systems across the Pacific by enhancing Fiji's capacity as a regional centre for weather services and disaster risk reduction.

The project includes the establishment of a Regional Training Centre that complies with World Meteorological Organization guidelines, a Regional Instrument Centre for the calibration and quality assurance of meteorological equipment, and a Disaster Risk Reduction Awareness Facility.

The grant will also strengthen the Fiji Meteorological Service's operational, training and research capabilities.

The first phase of equipment includes meteorological observation and calibration equipment, rain-gauge and anemometer verification systems, portable barometers and thermo-hygrometers, data loggers and high-performance computing equipment for weather and wave prediction training.

Digital archiving equipment, scanners, software and related accessories have also been provided.

Mr Tajima said the project builds on Japan's longstanding partnership with the Fiji Meteorological Service, which has included support for meteorological infrastructure, technical cooperation, human resource development and regional weather services for Pacific island countries.

He said the assistance reflected Japan's commitment under the Co-Creation for Common Agenda Initiative and supported priorities identified under the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, particularly climate change and disaster resilience.