Two projects were launched as part of the KIWA Initiative at Novotel, Lami yesterday with a combined funding of over €6.6million (approx $F15.7million).
The two projects will benefit more than 70 communities across five Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa, and Timor-Leste.
Pacific for Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) regional director Virginie Bleitrach said the projects were part of the broader KIWA Initiative since its 2020 launch.
“Through nature-based solutions, the two additional projects are in addition to seven projects already launched on a regional level,” Ms Bleitrach said.
“We have around 20 projects at local level in the three subregions of the Pacific including Fiji, the African and Caribbean countries and French territories.”
She said the initiative aimed to support local communities in the Pacific mitigate climate change through better adaptations solutions.
“KIWA Initiative started with a budget of €30m (approx $F71.5m) and now we have a budget of €77m (approx $F183.6m), all in the effort dedicated to supporting people in terms of climate adaptation.
“We are five donors – France, European Union, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, and we work with the regional organisations in the Pacific.
“Right now, two-third of the budget is already committed; we meet often to discuss about this project and then identify new projects, the two projects that we signed today are the latest projects selected by the initiative,” she said.
KIWA Initiative is a multi-donor program that aims to strengthen the climate change resilience of Pacific Island ecosystems, communities and economies through nature-based solutions.
