DISASTER RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM

The National Trust of Fiji manages several Protected Areas in Fiji. These national parks, nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries can play a critical role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies by ensuring that these natural ecosystems are intact and in good health. The NTF understands that these natural ecosystems contribute greatly towards mitigating a range of disasters. The NTF also understands that effective DRR strategies helps support vulnerable communities by preserving their heritage. Cultural and natural heritage themselves are important contributors towards reducing the effects of disasters in various ways such as using traditional knowledge systems and local management systems.

Levuka Disaster Reduction Risk Project

The project “Capacity Building for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) of Heritage Cities in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific” was launched in April 2017 under UNESCO/Malaysian Funds-in-Trust.

Key Objectives

1) Enhance the capacity of stakeholders involved in DRR of heritage cities, and

2) Empower communities living in heritage cities through the improved management plans and DRR strategies.

Key Activities

i. Desk study on disaster related information for Levuka Historical Port Town.

ii. Field research for data collection and community consultations with the aims to identify vulnerabilities/risks, develop disaster mitigation measures (structural and non-structural) to identify DRR strategies.

iii. Establish GIS Database.

iv. Integrated DRR Strategies into the overall DRM Plan of Levuka, Fiji.

v. Raise awareness of and capacity for national stakeholders for DRR of heritage cities through a national workshop.