SUVA – The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), have been engaged in close cooperation with Fiji Meteorological Services, various government entities, and UN partners in the development of the Fiji Anticipatory Action Programme, which will be integrated into the Fiji Cluster System.
A two-day work is currently underway in Suva centered on the Anticipatory Action (referred to as AA) Pilot Project for Tropical Cyclones in Fiji.
In opening the workshop this morning, the Permanent Secretary of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mr. Isoa Talemaibua expressed that this project emerged as a result of discussions held during the Pacific Anticipatory Action Week in March of this year.
“This event brought together representatives from 15 governments, including NDMOs and meteorological offices, along with various partners, to advance the concept of Anticipatory Action in the Pacific region. Fiji has been dedicated to strengthening its national meteorological and geohazard services, which have significantly contributed to the reduction of disaster-related fatalities and losses caused by cyclones, floods, and tsunamis. The country has been actively investing in the development of impact-based weather forecasting and ensuring effective communication of weather warnings, with a specific focus on the most vulnerable members of its communities. Fiji is now in the process of establishing a people-centered, Multi-Hazard Early Warning System,” said Mr. Talemaibua.
Mr. Talemaibua emphasised Fiji's commitment to working closely with its partners to deliver life-saving initiatives by leveraging model forecasts and cost savings through pre-agreed financing tied to predefined actions.
“This anticipatory approach reduces the expenses associated with humanitarian responses, preserves the dignity of affected individuals, and facilitates a swifter recovery, thereby safeguarding hard-earned development achievements.”
Mr. Talemaibua asserted that the humanitarian system should prioritize an anticipatory approach to the greatest extent possible and be reactive only when necessary. Consequently, he encouraged collaborative efforts to pilot the Anticipatory Action approach in Fiji.
Meanwhile, anticipatory action involves taking proactive measures before predicted hazards fully unfold to prevent or reduce humanitarian impacts. It is based on pre-agreed activities, triggers, and decision-making rules to ensure the swift release of pre-arranged financing. By utilising early warning systems and scientific advancements in disaster prediction, anticipatory action maximises the opportunity to intervene and prevent or mitigate imminent humanitarian impacts. This approach emphasises linking humanitarian action to risk and vulnerability, rather than solely focusing on needs and suffering.