Fiji will be the first recipient as an experimental project. Photo: Fiji govt
Pacific/Japan - data
Japan's government is set to provide weather data to South Pacific islands to help them deal with disasters.
Japan's public broadcaster reported Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is set to announce - at the Pacific leaders' summit in Tokyo this month - that they will provide data held by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The information will be used for evacuation and other measures in the event of disasters such as cyclones and tsunami.
It will be provided in real time using the Michibiki satellite, a Japanese-version of a global positioning system.
Fiji will be the first recipient as an experimental project.
Pacific - funding
The Asian Development Bank has approved $41 million in funding to help the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu respond to disasters triggered by natural hazards and health emergencies.
The money comes from the fifth part of the Pacific Disaster Resilience Program.
ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez said in the event of a disaster, the program will provide the participating countries with quick disbursing, flexible budget support to speed up the recovery process.
Vanuatu - education
A school board chairman in Vanuatu is calling for the speed-up of efforts to rebuild classrooms damaged by Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020.
Kalmet Kasso told the Vanuatu Daily Post he is concerned for students who continue to study in the damaged facilities at Lycée de Luganville school.
Kasso is questioning delays with it having been four years since the secondary school was left in disrepair.
The Ministry of Education said the procurement of a company to undertake the reconstruction project is currently in the final stages.
The project is valued at over 200-million Vanuatu vatu.
Palau - agriculture
The government of Palau has launched a 'Local Production Incentive Program' in an effort to bolster the agriculture sector.
Farmers will be eligible for a subsidy of up to one-third of the cost of piglets from private farms.
It will also cover feed for livestock, give discounts for slaughtering pigs, materials for farms such as seedlings and more.
Agriculture Minister, Steven Victor, told the Island Times 39 farmers have registered for the subsidies.
The program is funded by the tobacco and alcohol tax.
Fiji - illegal fishing
Fiji's Navy has apprehended several vessels suspected of illegal fishing activities.
fijivillage.com reported the fishers allegedly used dynamite which is an illegal fishing method.
Fishing with dynamite is highly destructive and poses severe risks to maritime eco-systems.
The extensive operation was a collaborative effort between the Fijian Navy and local authorities and organisations.
