Green Growth Framework for Fiji: Restoring the Balance in Development that is Sustainable for Our Future.

This Green Growth Framework for Fiji is a tool to accelerate integrated and inclusive sustainable development which will inspire action at all levels, to strengthen environmental resilience, build social improvement and reduce poverty, support economic growth, food security and strengthen capacity to withstand and manage the adverse effects of climate change. Green growth provides indirect benefits which support poverty reduction, improve productivity and quality of life through more inclusive economic growth, efficient and sustainable use of resources and food security. Effective waste management and a clean, healthy environment are vital pre-requisites in efforts to reduce the impact of communicable diseases. Green economic and environmental policies under other thematic areas will support socio-economic inclusion. Improving the quality of life will also be actively pursued through education for all, improved health systems, strengthened family values, gender equality and cultural and heritage conservation. Improving the production of traditional crops and vegetables, encouraging backyard farming in urban areas, organic farming, agro-forestry and aquaculture, are areas which can make significant contributions to greening Fiji’s economy, promoting food security and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Some of the benefits for Fiji of Green Growth under the three pillars of development are as follows. Economic benefits: increased revenue from pricing ecosystem services and improved management of economic risks and reduced vulnerability and innovation technologies. Environmental benefits: increased productivity and efficiency of natural resource used in sustainable way; reduced adverse environmental impact and improved natural hazard/risk management especially to climate changes. Social benefits: increased livelihood opportunities, food security, income and/or quality of life, notably of the poor; decent jobs that benefit poor people created and sustained; enhanced social, human and knowledge capital; reduced inequality.
To support this vision and taking into consideration the global and regional developments in green growth, the guiding principles of the Green Growth Framework for Fiji are as follows: Reducing carbon ‘footprints’ at all levels; Improving resource productivity (including by doing more with less); Developing a new integrated approach, with all stakeholders collectively working together for the common good. The cross-cutting nature of issues relating to sustainable development requires harmony and synergy in the development strategies; Strengthening socio-cultural education of responsible environmental stewardship and civic responsibility; Increasing the adoption of comprehensive risk management practices; Increasing the adoption of environment auditing of past and planned developments in order to support initiatives that not only provide economic benefits but also improve the environmental situation; Enhancing structural reforms for fair competition and efficiency; and Providing incentives for investment which support the efficient use of natural resources.
Internal governance mechanisms need strengthening at all levels. Inadequate legal and institutional frameworks and lack of capacity has hindered planning and implementation of past sustainable development strategies. Despite efforts by many, consumption and production have become un-balanced and the principle consumers, the people, have not been rightfully placed at the centre of development. Good governance is widely regarded as being crucial for sustainable development. Strengthening good governance has been a national development priority for two decades and is a major component of the Peoples Charter and the Roadmap. The 2013 Constitution guarantees equality for all citizens and inclusive sustainable development. Strong leadership and effective administration of Fiji’s Bill of Rights, accountability and anti-corruption frameworks, will lay the foundation for successful transition to green growth.
Building resilience to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones and flash floods will strengthen our food security situation. Traditional practices of planting disaster resilient crops and the use of storage techniques to prolong the shelf life of produce and food, are now rarely practiced. To this effect, the Pacific Food Secure Working Group is implementing a food security regional framework/programme to improve resilience and production of food products. With climate change likely to increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, there is a strong need to focus on the establishment of a local seed industry to produce and where necessary, import genetic material to ensure strategic availability of seed and other planting resources.
This document is divided as follows: Introduction (Chap. 1); Vision and Guiding Principles of the Framework (Chap. 2); Brief Overview of Socio-Economic and Environmental Development Progress (Chap. 3); Developing and Strengthening the National Enabling Environment (Chap. 4); Key Thematic Areas (Chap. 5): Building Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters (1) Waste Management (2); Sustainable Island and Ocean Resources (3); Inclusive Social Development (4); Food Security (5); Freshwater Resources and Sanitation Management (6); Energy Security (7); Sustainable Transportation (8); Technology and Innovation (9); Greening Tourism and Manufacturing Industries (10). Implementation and Monitoring Arrangements (Chap. 6).