This project is in line with the following CCCD Programme Objectives: i) CD 3 - Strengthening capacities to develop policy and legislative frameworks; ii) CD 4 - Strengthening capacities to implement and manage global convention guidelines; and, to some extent iii) CD 5 – Enhancing capacities to monitor and evaluate environmental impacts and trends. It is a direct response to the GEF-funded National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA) project conducted in Fiji during the period of 2006-2010, which, through its endorsement by the National Environment Council (NEC) in early 2010, prioritized cross-cutting capacity issues related to the implementation of the Rio Conventions. It addresses the identified cross-cutting issues including the review and formulation of relevant legislations and policies; the promotion and establishment of cross-sector cooperation; the establishment of proper performance and reporting mechanisms; the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms; the establishment of a systematic research and monitoring system; the development and the support of relevant training and education; and the strengthening of communication and awareness raising. Through a learning-by-doing process, this project will strengthen the capacities of individuals and institutions involved in environmental management in Fiji to coordinate better, make better decisions addressing global environmental issues and mainstream global environmental issues into national legislation, policies, plans and programmes. Under the first component, the project will focus on assessing and structuring an improved consultative and decision-making process that effectively integrates global environmental objectives into existing national environmental legislation. The project will support the development of capacities of decision-makers to interpret and agree on how best to govern the environment in Fiji that not only meets national priorities, but also global environmental obligations. This component will focus on the processes to facilitate these decisions. This component will also include strengthening the process to engage, coordinate and collaborate with non-governmental stakeholders, such as NGOs, civil society, private sector and academia. Under the second component, the project will focus on reconciling and strengthening the set of legislative instruments - inclusive of key national policies and programmes – that are used to govern environmental management and ensure that these instruments are aligned with Fiji's MEA obligations. This will help Fiji to improve its compliance with various related Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), particularly the three Rio Conventions.