The governing board of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has endorsed Fiji’s FJ$61 million (US$27 million) Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) investment plan — a major step in strengthening the country’s climate resilience and ecosystem restoration from mountain to ocean.
Developed in partnership with the World Bank, the initiative will focus on restoring watersheds, coastal zones, and marine areas, directly benefiting more than 80,000 Fijians and supporting biodiversity conservation.
Fiji’s economy is deeply intertwined with nature’s health — with tourism contributing around 40% of GDP and 20% of jobs, while agriculture, fisheries, and forestry make up 32% of GDP and 40% of employment.
The NPC plan is designed to help protect these key sectors, particularly supporting vulnerable rural and iTaukei (Indigenous) communities in line with Fiji’s National Adaptation Plan and Climate Change Act.
The CIF states as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Fiji continues to face serious threats from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and marine degradation. Asset losses from cyclones and floods alone are estimated at 5% of GDP annually.
CIF’s investment will also contribute toward protecting 30% of Fiji’s land and marine areas, consistent with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
A separate CIF financing window — the Dedicated Grant Mechanism (DGM) — will provide FJ$9 million (US$4 million) in direct grants for Indigenous Peoples and local communities to lead projects reflecting traditional knowledge and community priorities.
Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of the Climate Investment Funds, said the program marks a crucial investment in Fiji’s environmental and economic security.
Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, said the endorsement reinforces Fiji’s long-term growth vision.
“Fiji has a clear vision: to accelerate growth towards high-income status by 2050 and eliminate poverty. This ambition is inextricably linked to our climate resilience,” he said.
“We recognize that to achieve this, we must not only protect our existing assets but also invest in ‘smart development’ that counteracts climate-induced drags on long-term growth.”
“We are excited to have Climate Investment Funds as a partner in this critical endeavour. Your support will help Fiji ensure a sustainable and prosperous future and serve as a powerful example for other Small Island Developing States.”
Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, said the investment reinforces Fiji’s leadership in climate action.
“It is both an honor and a responsibility to receive this funding from the Climate Investment Funds. The Government of Fiji remains committed to being a driving force for climate action.”
“We have the policies, the plans, and the unwavering will to adapt, and these resources will help advance our aspiration. Fiji looks forward to the implementation of this project. We invite other donors to join forces with the Investment Plan and help us protect livelihoods, our economy, and the natural and cultural heritage of Fiji.”
