Shining our spotlight on our Pacific People that work for our Pacific environment is this Q and A series from your Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
This week we introduce you to Mr Sione Fulivai, the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific Coordinator, based with the Climate Change Resilience Programme at SPREP. A familiar face to many, Sione was formerly with the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) of Tonga.
Starting at SPREP in October 2019 Sione continues onwards, working for a Resilient Pacific. A core area of his work is the enhancement and advocacy of regional cooperation and coordination, and fostering synergies and partnerships across multiple stakeholders in the disciplines of Climate Change, Low Emissions Development Pathways, and Disaster Risk Resilience.
Q. Can you please tell us a bit about the Pacific environmental challenge that you work to address and what it is that you do?
My area of work is rather three interlinked areas than just a single area of focus, these areas being Climate Change, Low-Emissions Development, and Disaster Risk Resilience. I form part of a Support Unit comprised of SPREP, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and the Pacific Community who work collectively in providing support to the Pacific Resilience Partnership Task Force mandated to undertake and implement actions specified in the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP).
Q. What would you say has been your greatest achievement, to date, in your role?
Without a doubt, it is the adjustment to the impacts of COVID-19 on daily operations. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, maintaining momentum in servicing the needs and priorities of our Member countries and partners was very challenging, but the challenge that was taken on and bested at pace. Yes, the working environment may have changed and may continue changing, but my role and that of the team I work with hasn’t changed.
Q. What tip do you think we should all know to help protect our environment?
‘Balance’ - maintaining balance is what will stave off reaching the ‘tipping point’ in terms of protecting the natural environment. Behavioural change to our daily lifestyles through simply prioritising ‘needs’ from ‘wants’ is crucial to restoring the balance.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
‘A content beggar possesses greater treasures than an unfulfilled man of wealth’ - Remain humble in who and what you are for it is given from God.
Q. What is one of the best things you like about your job?
The team that I work with. I revel in the fact I am part of a great team playing its role in ensuring our Pacific region and through our Pacific leaders are well informed and equipped when making decisions that will alter life as we know it. I find it a great honour.
Should you wish to contact Sione Fulivai, please do so at [email protected]