An international research centre tackling climate change in the Pacific region from a uniquely business perspective has welcomed a $2million funding commitment from the Fiji Government.
Launched in March this year, the Pacific Action on Climate Transitions (PACT) is a partnership between the Fiji National University (FNU) and Monash University’s Monash Business School.
PACT is focusing on the critical links between business and climate change and finding real-world solutions for communities at the frontline of our changing environment.
It will aid policy makers looking to effectively fund mitigation and adaptation measures in the Pacific region and beyond, as well as providing high-quality training and capacity building.
Announcing its 2023 Budget, the Fiji Government has allocated PACT $2m in funding.
FNU acting vice-chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said, “as the national university, we are extremely thankful to the Government of the day for its funding commitment towards PACT.
“This is a testament of the government’s commitment to working towards exceptional research in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation – which will benefit not only numerous Fijian families and communities but the entire Pacific Region.”
Head of Monash Business School Professor Simon Wilkie said this generous support from the Fiji Government underlines the importance of our partnership with the people of Fiji.
“PACT allows joint projects to take place between FNU and Monash University researchers that address the community well-being and economic resilience of citizens in the Pacific Region,” he said.
FNU’s acting pro vice- hancellor, research and innovation, Professor Paul Iji said, the funding from the Fiji Government would assist the PACT centre in the fight against climate change.
PACT deputy director Dr Seema Narayan said we welcome the Fiji Government’s support for this research, which we consider quite groundbreaking. Until now, very little climate change research has focused on the role of business and industry.”
Current PACT research projects include:
- How extreme weather events disrupt industry, agriculture and migration within Fijian communities;
- Sustainable land management practices that can help save Fiji’s forests;
- Ways in which communities can prioritise the trade-offs they are asked to make;
- How Fiji’s new Climate Change Act works in practice.
Source: Fiji National University
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