New Delhi, February 17, 2018: The Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Environment (MLGHE), Government of Fiji today signed a Declaration of Partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The Declaration provides a framework for technical collaboration and assistance by TERI to measure, manage, support and pilot activities and models towards achieving Fiji's environmental protection objectives as well as Fiji's Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

The Declaration was signed by Mr. Joshua Wycliffe, Permanent Secretary, LGHE Ministry and Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI on the sidelines of the World Sustainable Development Conference (WSDS 2018).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Joshua Wycliffe, Permanent Secretary, LGHE Ministry, Government of Fiji said "strong partnerships and collaborations such as this are vital components of the global effort to tackle climate change and achieve environmental sustainability. We aim to create robust frameworks for sustainable development that can meet the aspirations of our people while also mitigating the effects of climate change."

Under this Declaration, TERI seeks to provide technical assistance in a variety of areas including waste and pollution management, developing 'green' energy efficient buildings, remote monitoring and reporting of environmental impact assessments as well as aligning policies with environmental aims.

Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI said "our approach to sustainable development and climate change mitigation is centered around the twin aims of managing the unavoidable and avoiding the unmanageable. On one hand this includes creating resilient infrastructure and strong policy frameworks, and on the other leveraging technology and expertise to move to sustainable practices. We hope to create the models that can be replicated across developing countries, and island nations in particular."

This Declaration follows the successful India-Pacific Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) held in Suva, Fiji in May 2017. TERI was the knowledge partner for the SDC, an event that was organized under the Government of India's Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) agenda. TERI has worked closely with stakeholders as well as the Government of Fiji since.

As an island nation, Fiji is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The pacific region, already exposed to extreme weather conditions like cyclones and floods, is likely to see these conditions exacerbated due to climate change. Fiji has set ambitious targets as a part of its Nationally Determined Contributions, including transitioning 100% to renewable sources of energy by 2030. Fiji is also the current President of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The 21st COP in Paris in 2015 had resulted in the Paris Declaration on Climate Change.

About TERI

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is a leading think tank dedicated to conducting research for sustainable development of India and the Global South. Established in 1974, TERI has become the pre-eminent institution for research, discussion and thought leadership on environmental governance and sustainable development.

TERI is ranked globally as one of the five most impactful think tanks by the International Center for Climate Governance. The Institute is committed to the application of thought that drives action in the direction of tackling climate change.