Fiji has secured approximately FJ$118.1 million in funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a landmark Forest Landscape Restoration Project that will restore forests, watersheds and coastal ecosystems while strengthening climate resilience across nine provinces.
The total package comprises about FJ$66.0 million in GCF grant funding and around FJ$52.1 million in co-financing.
Approved at the 45th GCF Board Meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the seven-year project is Fiji’s second single-country Green Climate Fund project since 2017 and will directly benefit almost 197,000 Fijians.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya said the approval highlights the importance of Fiji maintaining a strong presence at international climate negotiations.
“When Fiji is at the table, Fiji is heard. These international meetings are not just about speeches. They are where partnerships are built, climate finance is unlocked, and investment-ready projects are advanced for our line ministries to deliver real benefits to our people.”
She thanked ministry officials for their work in preparing the successful funding proposal.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change and Fiji’s GCF National Designated Authority, Dr. Sivendra Michael, described the funding as a major step towards strengthening climate resilience, protecting ecosystems and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
“This approval comes at a critical time for Fiji. It reaffirms the vital role of climate finance in building resilience and enabling transformative climate action across Small Island Developing States.”
The Ministry acknowledged the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministries of Fisheries and Forestry, Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji Pine Limited, Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited and other national partners.
The project will target priority watersheds in Serua, Nadroga/Navosa, Ba, Ra, Naitasiri, Tailevu, Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata.
It is expected to directly improve the resilience of 196,877 people, with a further 149,715 people benefiting indirectly.
The initiative will restore more than 80,000 hectares of forest and agricultural landscapes, strengthen over 90,000 hectares of coastal and marine ecosystems, and remove an estimated 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development.
