the Permanent Secretary for Waterways & Environment, Joshua Wycliffe [2nd from right] speaking at the Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, Kenya.

Fiji impressed upon the global community, the determined approach taken towards protecting the environmental rights of all Fijians.

Fiji strongly recognised the fact that environmental protection was deeply connected to its very existence.

Leading a panel on Environmental Protection and Justice, the Permanent Secretary for Waterways & Environment, Joshua Wycliffe insisted that Environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, our full realisation and enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water and sanitation were all intrinsically linked.

PS Wycliffe was speaking at the Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event was jointly led by Dr. David Boyd (the UN Special Repertoire for Human Rights and Environment).

PS Wycliffe showcased the strong legislative instruments and the implementation processes Fiji employs in protecting its environment.

He explained how Section 40 of Fiji’s Constitution provides that: “Every Fijian has the right to a clean and healthy environment, which includes the right to have the natural world protected for the benefit of present and future generations through legislative and other measures”.

He laid out the various Acts and Regulations that governed the protection stance taken by Fiji.

He also laid out the unified approach adopted by Fiji through its people, processes and systems.

The Assembly has focused its discussions on tackling the environmental challenges related to poverty and natural resources management, including sustainable food systems, food security and halting biodiversity loss; introduction life cycle approaches to resource efficiency, energy, chemicals and waste management; ensuring sustainable business development at a time of rapid technological change.