GLOBAL water management expert Doctor Alfred Duda commended disaster preparation and water management programs in the Western Division.

Dr Duda, a senior adviser on International Waters for the Global Environment Facility, toured a GEF-funded demonstration project to observe how government agencies and communities work together to better prepare for and reduce impacts of floods.

The Nadi Basin Demonstration Project was set up after Nadi Town was identified as a national hot-spot after the 2009 floods.Dr Duda said integration was the key to the project's success and the only way to reduce the impact caused by natural disasters like floods.

He said the project's success could only be realised through proper management of river systems from farmers in the upper catchment area to fishermen making a living on reefs and mangrove systems along the coast with the inclusion of government.

"You live in a hazard area, there needs to be a lot of integration. GEF looks to you and your project to not only involve communities but to also involve Cabinet. Because your entire project involves different ministries. All the relevant ministries should work together so you won't have loss of life and livelihood from flooding," he said while on a tour of the project on Monday.

Welcoming Dr Duda to the country, Minister for Primary Industries Joketani Cokanasiga highlighted GEF's long commitment to Fiji and the Fiji Government's continuing support towards GEF funded projects.

"Over the years, the GEF has funded a number of projects to improve and sustain the local environment and its natural resources," Mr Cokanasiga said.

"The recent funding of the IWRM Nadi demonstration project is yet another testimony of its commitment to the people of Fiji. I would like to thank GEF for its support for this project."

"The Fiji Government, especially the Ministry of Primary Industries, has given and will continue to give its full support towards this project because by comparison Nadi region issues are quite complex and it will take significant time, effort and additional resources to resolve."

Source : Fiji Times - 20th July, 2011