Background
The commissioning of the Vio Island Evacuation Centre and the commencement of works to upgrade the Vio Island solar mini-grid mark a significant milestone in strengthening resilience and improving livelihoods in one of Fiji’s remote maritime communities.
Delivered under the UNDP Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific (Gov4Res) Project and the UNDP-Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) Support Project, and made possible through the generous support of the Governments of Australia, Korea, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom, this integrated initiative demonstrates how inclusive, people-centred development can provide tangible, sustainable outcomes for vulnerable communities.
The new risk-informed evacuation centre, powered by renewable energy, enhances disaster preparedness and safety for the people of Vio. At the same time, the upgrading of the island’s solar mini-grid will expand access to clean, affordable energy — unlocking opportunities for livelihoods, education, and economic empowerment, especially for women and youth.
Together, these initiatives highlight the innovative synergy between climate adaptation and climate mitigation: safeguarding communities against disasters while reducing carbon emissions and advancing renewable energy access.
Central to this progress is the Vio Integrated Development Committee, chaired by the Commissioner Western, which brings together government agencies, development partners, and the community to align services and resources under a coordinated, whole-of-government, whole-of-community approach.
This launch is more than the commissioning of a building or an energy system — it is a showcase of how integration, coordination, and innovation, underpinned by strong partnerships, can deliver resilience, safety, and dignity for rural Fijian communities, setting a model for resilient development across the Pacific.