Fiji, often acclaimed as a tropical paradise, is an island nation situated between Australia and New Zealand in the South Pacific. Coral reefs, nurtured by its natural environment, serve as habitats for a myriad of precious marine life. However, this country is grappling with an impending climate crisis. The rising sea levels are poised to displace coastal communities and wreak havoc on industries vital to the local economy, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Ultimately, climate change and extreme weather events will only exacerbate food insecurity and poverty in Fiji.

During the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23), held under the presidency of the Fijian government, Fiji spearheaded the negotiations and pledged to achieve 100% renewable energy usage by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. How is Fiji actively working towards these goals on multiple fronts? Furthermore, how does the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office support the local government's initiatives by facilitating the launch of blue finance projects and nature-based solutions to counteract and adapt to the impacts of climate change?

Fiji, a Pacific Island Country with deep-rooted ties and longstanding diplomatic relations with China, has seen significant collaboration under the Belt and Road cooperation agreement. In 2023, the "China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center (CPICJTDC)" was inaugurated in Fiji. This centre focuses on the cultivation of Juncao, a fungal grass lauded as the "grass of wealth" and the "grass of happiness," with China possessing and sharing the original planting technology. This innovative application substantially bolsters the Pacific island countries' ability to ensure food security and combat climate change, setting a remarkable precedent for global sustainable development. How are China and Fiji working together through this groundbreaking project to address the challenges posed by climate change?

Interviewees include:
1/ Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of the Fiji Government
2/ Patrick Tuimalealiifano, Deputy Team Leader, Inclusive Growth, UNDP Pacific Office
3/ H.E.Ambassador Zhou Jian
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Fiji
4/ Lin Xing-sheng
Specialist, China-Fiji Juncao Technology Demonstration Center

Host: Natalie Chung