News

$651m allocated towards climate action

July 1, 2018 7:14 pm

The government has allocated $651million towards climate action.

Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji continues to incorporate climate resilience, sustainability and environmental conservation in all facets of national development.

The new allocation comes with 18 projects designated as climate adaptation and eight as climate mitigation.

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Sayed-Khaiyum says through strong partnership with international bodies and organisations – Fiji is seeing unprecedented support for sustainable infrastructure projects.

“From stronger schools to sea walls to sustainable energy to flood resistance waterways, we’re going all out to ensure the Fijian economy is engineered to weather any storm. We have published the breakdown of how the Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) has been working for Fiji. It shows we’ve collected $110.6m and $106m has already been used to fund new cyclone resistance schools, new bridges, solar homes systems, cane access roads and Agriculture loan to farmers among other programmes that are preserving our environment and protecting Fijians from climate impacts.”

Meanwhile, the current 10 cents levy on plastic bags will be increased to 20 cents at all point of sale outlets to further reduce plastic waste and usage in Fiji.

The Minister adds that it has become Government’s mission to take proactive measures to protect all Fijians, our pristine resources and economic future from climate induced threats.