Alumnus from Fiji: Studying at IHE Delft gave me a voice in decision-making
In Fiji, the effects of climate change have profoundly changed the relationship between island residents and the ocean that surrounds them, IHE Delft Alumnus Amit Singh, from Fiji, said during a visit to his alma mater to attend a course on climate change adaptation.
Before the sea was our friend and now it is seen by many as our enemy - not because of the sea, but due to human activities that cause climate change. Nonetheless, it is this ocean that unites us - the people of the blue Pacific continent.
Fiji, which comprises more than 300 islands and atolls in the South Pacific, is suffering from the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion and intense storm surges. Adapting to the effects of climate change is key for the country and others like it. The course Singh attended in October focused on climate change and adaptation and formed part of the Adaptation Academy UNFCCC’s Climate Action Support and Transparency Training (CASTT) initiative.
Singh, who graduated with an MSc in Water Resource Management in 2017, now works as Climate Change Project Development Specialist for the Pacific Community-SPC at the Regional Pacific NDC Hub. In this position, he is engaged in projects that benefit not only Fiji but also 26 other countries in the Pacific region. At the moment, Singh is working on eight climate adaptation and mitigation projects in eight countries. In Palau, he is supporting the institutional strengthening of water services regulator for the implementation of water and wastewater tariff, and in Niue, he is working on a project to raise climate adaptation awareness.
An expert with a voice
He said the basis he built at IHE Delft serves him well professionally:
“Graduating from IHE Delft has transformed my career, I feel more equal and empowered to make decisions. I feel technically confident on a range of climate and water-related issues and this allows me to grow,” he said. “In most meetings, there are often alumni of IHE Delft from various organisations - this immediately gives a connection. Coming to IHE Delft has been life-changing.’’
After graduating, Singh worked as Fiji Water Authority Project Manager for a Rewa River Water Supply Scheme, a project financed by the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank and Green Climate Fund. He also has served as a Director of Policy, Research and Planning in Fiji’s Ministry of Waterways and Environment.
In his current role, he works on project development, supporting Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) to develop NDC-related projects (both mitigation and adaptation) and its implementation through the NDC Hub. In addition, his work also supports capacity development member PICTs through training workshops.
IHE Delft studies support work
‘’Everything I have studied at IHE Delft I can use in my day-to-day work. Not only in water but also the ability to process information and make informed evidence-based decisions aimed at improving livelihoods,” Singh said, adding that as an MSc student, he learned the importance of following developments in his area, something that continues to benefit him. “The networks I have gained while I have studied at IHE Delft is also a great asset – with some students I still have contact.”