MORE than 127,000 Pacific islanders are expected to directly benefit from 45 climate resilience projects now being rolled out across 17 Pacific Island countries and territories under the Kiwa Initiative.
The regional program announced four new projects in Suva on Monday, April 27, during its 12th Steering Committee Meeting, expanding efforts to strengthen climate adaptation through nature-based solutions. The Kiwa Initiative, managed by the Agence Française de Développement and funded by France, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, has mobilised €79.5million ($F205.62m) since 2020.
European Union delegation to the Pacific team leader and steering committee chair Erik Lindebo said the new projects reinforced donor commitment to Pacific communities facing worsening climate threats.
“The launch of these four new projects is a testament to the donors’ shared resolve to stand by Pacific communities as they face some of the most severe consequences of climate change,” he said.
“Through the Kiwa Initiative, we are investing not just in ecosystems, but in the resilience, livelihoods, and futures of Pacific peoples.”
Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael said Fiji had already seen progress through the initiative.
“Here in Fiji, the Kiwa Initiative has already made a meaningful contribution since its inception,” he said.
“Through 10 ongoing Kiwa projects and a new regional project about to be launched, we are seeing tangible efforts to strengthen ecosystem and community resilience, manage ecosystems, restore degraded landscapes, and support nearly 200 Fijian communities in adapting to the increasing impacts of climate change.”
The four new projects include three regional initiatives on fisheries, community resilience, and water security, and one local forest and mangrove restoration project in New Caledonia.
