15 April 2025, Nadi Fiji – The need for Pacific-led and driven climate change solutions focused on the needs of the Pacific, grounded in shared knowledge, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity, has been reaffirmed during a regional consultation to advance the PCCC-led legacy initiatives proposals aimed at community driven climate solutions and actions.
Held in Nadi Fiji over two days, more than 50 participants applauded the inclusive and country-driven approach to ensure that climate solutions are tailored to the unique realities and needs of the Pacific.
The consultation was organized by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC). It was attended by climate change focal points, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) focal points, academia, and development agencies to provide inputs and share experience on their country priorities and solutions that are fit for purpose and relevant for the Pacific.
The Federated States of Micronesia’s Assistant Secretary for Climate Change, Mrs. Lucille Apis-Overhoff, joined participants from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. They advocated to elevate the importance of Traditional Knowledge in responding to the impacts of climate change.
“This workshop is very valuable as it is country driven, tailored to country needs therefore it gives ownership to countries, thus it results in commitment and long-term support from the countries to the work delivered through PCCC,” she said.
“Further, research about our region has been mostly by researchers outside of the region and sometimes such publications will have biases based on the researcher’s values of his/her own country.
“However, we need Pacific practitioners and Pacific researchers to document the rich traditional knowledge, practical current work on the ground and partnerships between private sector so we have a holistic approach and thus more realistic approach that will result in publications that can give credibility and confidence to our work to inform decision making and inform negotiations.”
Discussions focused on the need to document, protect, and promote traditional knowledge, ensuring it is respected and utilized alongside scientific research. The integration of traditional knowledge into national policies and educational curricula was also identified as a priority, with an emphasis on intergenerational learning and community-led adaptation.
Further discussion focused on capacity building for effective knowledge brokerage to enhance the role of women, youth, and private sector in the climate change space. Participants provided input on how such vulnerable groups and the private sector can be more involved in climate change planning and decision-making processes.
The PCCC Manager, Ms Ofa Kaisamy reaffirmed the commitment of the PCCC to this ongoing work.
“The Centre takes on board the needs and priorities of the countries through these legacy initiatives we aim to effectively coordinate ourselves and our services to the countries, through the four key functions of the PCCC, knowledge brokerage, applied research, capacity building and innovation we can confidently assist countries achieve their climate effort,” she said.
Discussions also expanded on the need for innovative capacity-building approaches, including tailored training, mentorship programmes, peer-to-peer support, and digital platforms to disseminate climate knowledge in accessible formats.
The private sector was recognised as a critical partner in driving innovation and investment towards pathways for climate resilient and low carbon development.