Launch of the Blue Concrete Initiative at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 27)

Fiji’s Climate Change & International Cooperation Division in the Ministry of Economy launched the Blue Concrete Initiative at the United Nations Climate Conference, COP27, in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt. 

“The Blue Concrete Initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Fiji to prioritise climate action while also supporting the establishment of innovative domestic value chains that utilise our own resources and generate employment,” said H.E. Dr. Satyendra Prasad, Head of Fiji’s Delegation to COP27. “We hope to set an example that will be followed by larger emitters to innovate and take action to reduce emissions in concrete and infrastructure supply chains.”

The Initiative lays the foundations for the introduction of low-carbon cement to Fiji and ensure that key concrete inputs such as aggregate are sourced in a way that is both sustainable and builds resilient local supply chains.  

A panel discussion on the role of low-carbon concrete for a Blue Pacific included representatives of The University of Queensland’s Global Centre for Mineral Security at the Sustainable Minerals Institute, Technology and Action for Rural Advancement, and the Pacific Community’s Geosciences, Energy and Maritime Division.

Professor Daniel Franks, Deputy Director (Research) of The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, a key partner of the Initiative said, “The Blue Concrete Initiative will support the transfer of low-carbon concrete technology to Fiji and the Pacific, build resilience in regional supply chains, create a reliable and affordable source concrete for infrastructure, and ensure that key concrete inputs such as aggregate, limestone, clay and gypsum are sourced sustainably and match the values of the Blue Pacific.”