CABINET has approved a grant aid agreement between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Ministry of Waterways (Ministry) for the Climate Change Adaptation on the Nature-Based Solution Programme and Kiwa Initiative (Program).
IUCN has committed a total grant funding of Euro 326,077.40 for the project. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Cabinet based its decision on a submission by Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu.
“The Nature-Based Coastal Protection Project will help reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities to coastal inundation, and coastal erosion through the provision of nature-based seawalls,” Mr Rabuka said.
“Through these funds, the ministry will be able to construct NbS seawalls at six selected sites in Fiji. These sites are; Nakawaqa Village, Vesi Village, Ligaulevu Village, Somosomo Village, Navola Village and Navolau No. 1 Village project). However, the ministry reserves the right to change the number of sites to successfully complete the project within the allocated budget.”
He said the project would protect a total coastline of 1565 metres and assist 1455 individuals.
