Dr Mahendra Reddy [right] at a special environment conference in France [Source: Fijian Government]

Fiji’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change was presented to G7 Nations at a special environment conference.

Fiji was invited by France, the current president of the G7, to participate at the G7 Environment Ministers meeting this week because of its growing role in climate and environment advocacy and awareness activities on the international stage.

Leading Fiji’s delegation is the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr Mahendra Reddy.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Reddy told G7 Environment Ministers that Fiji’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change continue to affect the environment and in turn, ordinary Fijians.

He highlighted that as a direct result, ordinary Fijians were facing socioeconomic impacts which included relocating from their homes and communities.

The Minister adding that Fiji’s ecosystems are the resource base for livelihoods, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, and tourism, but they are at risk of continued degradation, mostly due to development pressures.

Whilst Fiji is the only non G7 state from the Pacific region, this conference provided the Minister the opportunity to also bring to the attention of G7 nations the plight of the Pacific peoples.