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Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has outlined the government’s strategy to embed climate resilience into the national budget.

This initiative, he says marks a significant shift towards mainstreaming climate change objectives across all government ministries, ensuring that every financial decision considers environmental impacts.

Prof Prasad says that Finance Ministers in the region must understand the economic risks posed by climate change and the opportunities arising from proactive climate action.

By integrating climate considerations into every aspect of the budget, he states that the government aims to achieve better outcomes through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

Prof Prasad says that the strategy includes strengthening early warning systems by enhancing funding for the National Disaster Management Office.

Increased support for reforestation projects focuses on indigenous species to strengthen forest foundations and contribute to global mitigation efforts.

The Minister also highlights that a new national building code is introduced to promote climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring future constructions can withstand extreme weather patterns.

The national energy policy is overhauled to provide sustainable, inclusive and reliable energy services with significant investments in renewable energy sources.

“When you look at the budget, you look at different ministries. Invariably, we feel that everything has to be climate resilient, everything that we do as part of our budgetary expenditure we will have to take into account the adverse impacts of climate change.”

Prof Prasad adds that additional funding targets rural and maritime areas, improving water supply through new boreholes and enhancing agricultural practices to support economic livelihoods.

The “Jobs for Nature” program receives a $3 million allocation to support small-scale projects addressing climate challenges at the community level.

The government highlights the broader economic rationale behind these initiatives, noting that appropriate economic settings and incentives can unlock substantial funding for climate investments.

Prof Prasad reiterates that Fiji’s integration of climate resilience into financial management underlines its proactive stance on climate action, setting an example for other countries facing similar challenges.