DECISIONS MADE AT THE 21ST CABINET MEETING HELD ON 17 DECEMBER 2024

The decisions of Cabinet at its meeting today include the following:
 
1. Recycle Organics Programme – Methane Mitigation Project
Cabinet approved the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (Ministry) and the Centre for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) for Methane Mitigation Project under the Recycle Organics Programme.
 
The Recycle Organics Programme is a global programme in its seventh year of operation. It has recently expanded its activities into the Pacific Region (Fiji and Samoa) with financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
 
The overarching goal of the Recycle Organics Programme is to accelerate the implementation of methane mitigation projects in the waste sector and to create enabling conditions for a sustained expansion of organic waste management technologies that bring significant environmental, economic and social benefits.
 
The Programme implementation will be until March 2026.
 
2. Nadi Flood Alleviation Project
Cabinet considered the findings of the Alternative Options Assessment Report on the Nadi Flood Alleviation Project, undertaken by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.
 
The Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Local Government and the Nadi Town Council, will explore funding and implementation mechanisms for the Nadi Flood Alleviation Project.
 
The Nadi Flood Alleviation Project is aimed at strengthening flood prevention measures and reduction of flood risk by constructing among others, drainage facilities, embankments, and reservoir for Nadi town located in the lower reaches of Nadi River.
 
The project has undergone various stages of planning and conceptual designs over the years, outlining flood mitigation structural and non-structural measures for the Nadi River basin.
 
It is the largest climate resilience project for Fiji which will reduce economic and social losses to the economy given Nadi’s strategic role in the tourism sector and a main gateway for Fiji to the world.
 
The project is also aligned to the concerted disaster risk resilience efforts outlined in the National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050.
 
3. Asian Development Bank Study Report on Economic Impact of Film and Television Production in Fiji
Cabinet endorsed the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Study on the Economic Impact of Film and Television Production in Fiji.
 
The study report recommends enhanced analysis and strategic public policies to support Fiji’s fast-moving audio-visual industry.
 
Fiji has become a thriving hub for film production activity, increasingly attracting a wide range of productions that showcase the country’s unique culture and natural beauty to global audiences.
 
The development and promotion of Fiji’s audio-visual industry is an area of priority for the Fiji Government in the new National Development Plan 2025-2029, in consideration of the industry’s contribution to Fiji’s economy.
 
4. Update on the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Feasibility Study Report
Cabinet considered the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Feasibility Study Report.
 
With the support of the Australian Government and Market Development Facility, PharmOut, an Australian Company was selected to develop the feasibility study for Nutraceutical and Medicinal Cannabis Industries in Fiji.
        
The feasibility study undertaken by PharmOut has provided a comprehensive report on the following:
Economic and Market feasibility and due diligence i.e. relevant laws, regulations and case studies;
Operational and Financial viability i.e. logistics, legislation, investment environment;
Guidance on legislation and assessment of potential benefits and socio-economic impacts;
Strategic analysis; and
Risk assessment in terms of illicit use and reputational risks.
 
Cabinet approved the drafting of the Medicinal Cannabis legislation, which will be undertaken in consultation with the Office of the Solicitor – General and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
 
5. Fiji’s 6th State Report on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women
Cabinet endorsed the submission of Fiji’s 6th State CEDAW report to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women Committee (UNCEDAW).
 
Fiji’s report addresses key topics namely:
General information about Fijian women and girls;
Impact of COVID-19 on women’s rights and recovery efforts;
Visibility and implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women;
Role of national machinery and NGOs in advancing women's rights;
Measures against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence, including steps to criminalize statutory rape and redefine sexual assault;
Efforts to prevent child marriage and promote positive images of girls;
Addressing trafficking and exploitation in prostitution, including decriminalization efforts and support for women wanting to exit prostitution;
Participation of women in political, educational, and economic spheres;
Health issues, including abortion access and cervical cancer screening; and
Support for rural women and initiatives on disaster risk reduction and climate change, particularly for disadvantaged groups, including women with disabilities.
 
CEDAW is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. Fiji ratified CEDAW in 1995.
 
6. Collaboration with Australia and Indonesia on Disaster Risk Management
Cabinet agreed to the formalisation of collaboration with the Governments of Indonesia and Australia on disaster risk management.
 
As a leader in the Pacific region, Fiji was selected by the Governments of Indonesia and Australia to be amongst the first Pacific Island countries to be engaged in the trilateral cooperation arrangement.
 
The cooperation arrangement will focus on disaster risk management.