AMID rising global temperatures and an escalating climate crisis, Fiji is stepping up its commitment to combat climate change.
Speaking at Fiji’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0) Costed Implementation Plan Workshop, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, outlined the start of the process to define the climate change objectives, priorities, needs, and opportunities, which will frame our national commitment under the Paris Agreement.
“NDCs are the core basis of the Paris Agreement and the achievement of its objectives,’’ Dr Michael said.
“The third round of Fiji’s NDC 3.0 was submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in November 2025 and presented more ambitious, comprehensive, conditional and unconditional targets than previous submissions.”
He emphasised that the plan is critical for turning the high-level targets of Fiji’s Third NDC, such as a 36 per cent reduction in energy sector emissions and the planting of 30 million trees by 2035, into a reality that attracts potential investors.
Fiji plans a National Health Adaptation Plan for climate impacts, planting 30 million trees by 2035, managing its maritime zone sustainably, designating 30% of it as Marine Protected Areas, and creating frameworks for loss and damage.
Michael conveyed the nation’s climate change objectives, priorities, needs, and opportunities to frame its national commitment under the Paris Agreement.
“Fiji submitted its third NDC to the UNFCCC in November 2025, featuring more ambitious and comprehensive targets to cut emissions and boost climate resilience compared to earlier versions.’’
Key highlights include:
- Aiming for a 36 per cent reduction in emissions in the energy sector by 2035.
- Implementing biogas systems and improving livestock management from 2025 to 2035.
- Developing a National Solid Waste Management Strategy.
- Promoting climate-smart agriculture and integrated landscape management to ensure food security.
- Establishing a National Health Adaptation Plan to address the health impacts of climate change.
- Committing to plant 30 million trees by 2035 and ensuring sustainable management of maritime zones, designating 30% of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone as Marine Protected Areas by 2035.
- Creating frameworks to address loss and damage while securing financial support.
Expressing gratitude towards stakeholders who contributed to developing NDC3.0, He stated, “I would like to sincerely express my appreciation to all the stakeholders who have provided their support in developing Fiji’s NDC 3.0.
“The latest science is clear that we are now at a dangerous tipping point. The risk of overshooting 1.5 degrees is significant, if not likely, over the next 5 years if major emitters and all Parties fail to bridge the action gap.
Fiji, the first to ratify the Paris Agreement, sees it as more than a duty; it’s about safeguarding homes, communities, and future generations.
He warned that a 1.5-degree rise threatens Pacific life, noting that each degree of warming severely impacts their way of life.
The NDC 3.0 envisions managing climate damage and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Michael highlighted that shifting from fossil fuels to indigenous renewables cuts emissions and stabilises the economy.
“Whether through the perspective of mitigation ambition, resilient development, or efforts to address loss and damage, the objectives in this NDC need to be extremely robust and clear.”
As Fiji develops the NDC3.0 Climate Implementation Plan, stakeholders are reminded that this round of NDCs is vital for the goals of the Paris Agreement. Fiji is prepared to face climate challenges and build a sustainable future.
