Fiji - Support the Inclusion of Waste Targets in Fiji’s NDC 3.0 and Develop and Implementation Plan

Rationale

Methane is the second largest greenhouse gas emitted in Fiji, with the waste sector contributing the second highest share of emissions, followed by agriculture. While Fiji’s 2020 NDC includes methane, it does not currently assess mitigation potential, set sector-specific targets, or incorporate measures to advance methane reduction. Strengthening the inclusion of methane and waste sector-specific targets in the upcoming NDC 3.0 is critical to ensure Fiji can plan investments, implement mitigation measures, and track progress over time.

The Government of Fiji has established a strong policy framework for climate mitigation, including the Fiji Climate Change Act 2021, the Fiji Low Emission Development Strategy 2018–2050, the National Climate Change Policy 2018–2030, and the 2020 NDC. These policies aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050. Incorporating specific methane mitigation targets and measures in the waste sector NDC update will advance Fiji’s long-term targets, support the development of an MRV framework, and guide investment in mitigation projects.

The project builds on previous experience with the Recycle Organics Program, ICAT guidance on anaerobic digestion and landfill gas capture, and ongoing sectoral consultations for NDC 3.0, ensuring that technical recommendations and investment planning are well-informed and actionable.

Objectives

• Support the Government of Fiji in incorporating quantitative methane mitigation targets and measures in the waste sector into NDC 3.0.
• Develop an enhanced MRV framework for the waste sector to accurately track emissions reductions and progress towards mitigation targets.
• Strengthen stakeholder capacity to implement waste mitigation measures, including tracking co-benefits and using data to support long-term progress.
• Provide recommendations for a mitigation pathway and investment plan to implement prioritized waste sector measures in Fiji’s NDC 3.0.

Activities

To achieve these objectives, the project will:

• Compile an inventory of waste emissions data, identifying key methane sources and their contributions.
• Assess rural waste generation rates and pilot home composting initiatives to estimate mitigation potential and provide recommendations for scalable interventions.
• Review existing national policies, strategies, and mitigation projects to identify synergies for inclusion in the updated NDC 3.0.
• Develop mitigation scenarios for the waste sector, in collaboration with the agriculture sector, using the LEAP model to project emissions reductions.
• Define conditional and unconditional quantitative methane mitigation targets, working with the MECC and the NDC 3.0 Waste Sector Technical Working Group.
• Design an MRV framework aligned with the Climate Change Act 2021 to track emissions reductions and monitor progress using Fiji’s Tracking Tool.
• Organize workshops and capacity-building activities for government officials and stakeholders to enhance implementation of waste sector mitigation measures.
• Conduct consultations with stakeholders to identify co-benefits, develop indicators, and ensure integration of mitigation targets into practical implementation.
• Develop and finalize a costed investment plan, outlining mitigation pathways and resource requirements for achieving waste sector targets in Fiji’s NDC 3.0.

Project Reference: [FJ-25-001t] - Support the Inclusion of Waste Targets in Fiji’s NDC 3.0 and Develop and Implementation Plan