Disaster Risk Reduction & Response

Live & Learn Fiji works in vulnerable regions in Fiji threatened by natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, droughts and floods, in addition to the impacts of climate change. These vulnerabilities are compounded by economic and social factors such as population growth, poorly planned coastal development, unplanned urban growth and land use, environmental and ecosystem degradation, and unsustainable use of natural resources such as extensive logging and mining.

Disaster risk reduction cuts across different aspects and sectors of development. There are 25 targets related to disaster risk reduction in 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, firmly establishing the role of disaster risk reduction as a core development strategy. Building disaster resilience is critical to achieving the goal of eradicating extreme poverty (SDG 1). Natural hazards are a cause of global food insecurity and hunger (SDG 2). Large shocks and extensive risks destroy agricultural assets and infrastructure, causing serious damage to the livelihoods and food security.

Building community resilience through collaboration is priority for Live & Learn Fiji. We work with communities and government to assess vulnerability and risks, integrate risk reduction across government policies, plans and budgets, safeguard livelihoods, food resources and water, promote climate resilient crops and farming techniques, and mobilise communities for coastal protection and sustainable management of forests and marine environments. Empowering women in human response and management is prevalent throughout all our disaster risk reduction activities.

In disaster preparedness & response, Live & Learn Fiji provides support in the following areas;

• Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
• Shelter
• Food Security & Livelihood
• Safety & Protection

Long-term relationships and local networks are critical to facilitating prompt access communities. Partnerships with other organisations such as CARE, UNICEF and UNDP enable us to broaden the geographic reach and scope of our disaster risk reduction and response activities.

Live & Learn Fiji has ongoing relationships with the WASH Cluster Secretariat, Food Security & Livelihoods Cluster Secretariat, Shelter Cluster Secretariat, Safety & Protection Secretariat, National Disaster Management Office & Divisional Commissioners. We also work very closely with Fiji Disabled People’s Federation (FDPF), Empower Pacific, CARE in the Pacific, Community Safe Houses for people with diverse sexual orientation to ensure that our approach is inclusive.

In 2016 Live & Learn responded to TC Winston, TC Josie & Keni (2018), TC Sarai (2019), TC Harold & TC Yasa (2020) and COVID 19 (2021). Established partnerships with government and partner NGOs has enabled Live & Learn’s response to be inclusive and sector specific particularly in WASH, Food Security & Livelihoods and Shelter.

Click on the links below to view some of our stories;

1. TC Yasa Response

2. COVID 19 Response

3. Tropical Cyclone Harold

4. Preparedness Program (AHP Disaster Ready)