BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 21. Creation of Rio Tri initiative-framed resilient ecosystems requires coordinated knowledge sharing, Fijan Minister of Housing and Local Government Machiu Katamotu Nalumisa said, Trend reports.
He made the remark at the COP-29 high-level dialogue themed “Increasing knowledge exchange between conventions to ensure the sustainability of ecosystems” on the Rio Trio Initiative (Colombia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia) today.
"We are facing serious consequences of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation in the Pacific region. Our ecosystems are deeply intertwined with our way of life and culture, which is why it is crucial to incorporate information-sharing into legislation.
This will help close data gaps, align local efforts with global goals, and develop comprehensive policies that address interconnected issues through reliable, transparent, and up-to-date information exchange," the minister explained.
He further said that tools such as biodiversity assessments, climate models, information platforms, and land-use maps can greatly improve collaboration between stakeholders.
"For example, in the Pacific region, we have used biodiversity data to support ecosystem restoration initiatives and combined information from various sources to create early warning systems for natural disasters. To build resilient ecosystems under the Rio Trio initiative, urgent coordinated knowledge exchange is needed. Interconnected challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation require innovative approaches," Nalumisa emphasized.
The minister also highlighted that bridging the knowledge and resource gap between countries is impossible without prioritizing technology transfer and capacity building.
"Fiji advocates for investments in digital infrastructure and educational programs that will enable all, especially developing countries, to effectively participate in common systems. If knowledge exchange processes integrate principles of equity and inclusivity, every country will not only be able to participate in joint efforts but also benefit from them.
We recognize the importance of coordinated information exchange to achieve the goals of the conventions and ensure a sustainable future for all. Fiji reaffirms its commitment to these initiatives. At the same time, local knowledge plays a critical role in enhancing data collection and analysis capabilities," he added.
To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened at the Baku Olympic Stadium on November 11. It is the largest event organized by Azerbaijan to date and the first time in the region that it is being held in Azerbaijan.
The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance. The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies, and other topics.
In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5°C pledge by bringing everyone together.
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for “Conference of Parties” and is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
A total of 198 countries are parties to the Convention. Unless otherwise decided by the parties, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
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