In the heart of the Pacific lives Sagaitu Konusi in Fiji, affectionately known as Itu. As the Senior Advisor on Mitigation at the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, Itu has dedicated his career to combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for his island home and beyond. Eager to expand his expertise, Itu enrolled in various courses on the UN CC:Learn platforms, such as Carbon Taxation and Fundamentals on REDD+. These courses covered topics he was deeply interested in, such as carbon pricing and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).
I see the platform as a treasure trove of knowledge, not just for professionals like me, but also for academics, practitioners, and anyone eager to understand climate change better and apply this knowledge in their daily lives.”
One of the most informative courses for Itu was the Carbon Taxation course. It provided him with the tools and knowledge to participate actively in Fiji’s national process of developing its National Carbon Market Strategy Roadmap. This roadmap would become the guiding document for Fiji’s engagement in both Article 6 mechanisms under the Paris Agreement and the voluntary carbon market. Through this course, Itu deeply understood the various carbon pricing tools available to countries and regulators, essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally.
The REDD+ program further enriched Itu’s understanding of carbon markets. He learned how these programs play a crucial role in forest conservation and preventing deforestation, pivotal components of the global climate strategy. With this newfound knowledge, Itu contributed to training sessions organized by the Global Green Growth Institute, focusing on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, particularly Article 6.4.
Article 6 Basic Training Workshop hosted by the Regional Pacific NDC Hub in collaboration with the GIZ Article 6 Capacity Building Project and UNEP CBIT-GSP.
These educational experiences have empowered Itu in his professional role and allowed him to share his knowledge and skills with others. He co-lead a training workshop focused on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, designed to empower public officials who are involved in decision-making around Article 6, as well as private sector stakeholders from Pacific Island States with the essential knowledge and skills for engaging in international carbon markets and utilizing climate finance to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). His involvement in this training workshop and the formulation of national strategies has played a crucial role in advancing Fiji and the Pacific regions initiatives against climate change.
He also supported the development of the Federated States of Micronesia’s ‘NDC Tourism Action Plan’ which represents a crucial step forward in the nation’s dedication to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable tourism practices. This comprehensive plan defines key objectives and actions aimed at lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the tourism industry while ensuring that the sector grows effectively and sustainably. Co-leading the consultations across FSM, Itu underscored the importance of involving a wide array of stakeholders from the tourism sector. This encompasses government officials, private sector representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society members, and local communities. Adopting an inclusive, integrated, and grassroots approach is vital for the successful creation of this important national document.
Validation workshop for the FSM NDC Tourism Action Plan.
His work at the Regional Pacific NDC Hub and his commitment to education and capacity-building are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the Pacific and the world.
Article 6 Basic Training technical team.
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*The views expressed in this story are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations.