This report explores potential synergistic linkages between green trade and sustainable development in Fiji and creates a matrix identifying these links.
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Fiji faces specific challenges and opportunities in its pursuit of sustainable development. Smallness, remoteness, a narrow export base, and high exposure to external economic shocks together with global environmental challenges represent exceptional vulnerabilities.
Green trade can be an integral element for overcoming some of the challenges and achieving sustainable development. The importance of green trade lies in two areas. First, it opens doors to specialized markets that value sustainability, creating enhanced economic prospects. Secondly, it offers notable social and environmental benefits.
The report is part of the project “Green trade for sustainable development in Pacific small island developing States of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)”.
The project was financed through the United Nations Development Account (12th Tranche) and implemented by UNCTAD jointly with the MSG Secretariat.
The objective of the Project is to identify and strengthen synergistic linkages between green trade promotion and the Sustainable Development Strategies (SDS) of MSG member States – Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – in a regionally collaborative manner.
This report was prepared jointly by UNCTAD, the MSG Secretariat and the Government of Fiji and is the final output for Fiji of Phase 1 of the project.
Phase 1 comprises all national activities to identify potential synergistic linkages and to promote green trade. This report draws on the Phase 1 activities, notably:
- Organizing a national workshop in Fiji.
- Collecting and publishing Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) data for Fiji.
- Publishing an assessment of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) for ginger.
- Publishing a guide for exporting ginger from Fiji.
The Phase 1 activities and reports laid the foundation for Phase 2, which entailed the creation of a Sub-regional Action Plan for Green Trade Promotion at the MSG level.
