Fiji’s largest investment in nature-based climate resilience, worth FJ$95 million, will help protect and restore the Great Sea Reef while strengthening the livelihoods of more than 120,000 people over the next decade.
According to a statement by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Green Climate Fund has approved approximately FJ$78.5 million for the Fiji Coral Reef Resilience Project, with an additional FJ$16.5 million in co-financing from WWF and the governments of Fiji and Australia.
The 10-year project will focus on the Great Sea Reef, the world’s third-largest continuous barrier reef system, stretching more than 440 kilometres along Fiji’s main islands.
WWF said the reef was home to 55 per cent of Fiji’s fish species and 74 per cent of its coral species, while providing vital protection against coastal flooding and powerful waves.
However, the reef faces increasing threats from climate change, coral bleaching, overfishing and unsustainable coastal development.
The project will restore 835 hectares of mangroves and 2,524 hectares of forests along waterways, while strengthening natural coastal defences.
WWF said these measures were expected to reduce flood exposure for more than 74,000 people and help prevent approximately FJ$20 million in economic losses from coastal flooding.
The initiative will also support sustainable fisheries management across 20 customary fishing grounds, establish a Great Sea Reef management unit and help local businesses access investment opportunities.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya welcomed the investment, describing the reef as a lifeline for coastal communities.
“The Great Sea Reef is not only part of Fiji’s identity but a lifeline for communities that depend on it for food, livelihoods, and climate resilience,” Ms Tabuya said.
“Building its resilience to climate change means building the resilience of our people.”
WWF-US president and chief executive officer Carter Roberts said the investment demonstrated how protecting nature could strengthen coastal communities.
“This investment will help protect and restore the reef while strengthening local capacity to steward it for generations to come,” he said.
WWF will lead the project in partnership with the Fijian Government, provincial authorities and iTaukei institutions.
The initiative is expected to directly benefit 121,358 people, representing approximately 13 per cent of Fiji’s population.
