Two significant projects under the KIWA Initiative were officially launched at the Novotel in Lami, with total funding exceeding €6.6 million (approximately FJD 15.7 million). These initiatives are set to benefit over 70 communities spread across five Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa, and Timor-Leste.
Virginie Bleitrach, the regional director of Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), highlighted that these projects complement the broader KIWA Initiative, which has been active since its inception in 2020. She noted, “Through nature-based solutions, these two additional projects join seven others already operational at a regional level.”
Bleitrach further elaborated that the KIWA Initiative now encompasses around 20 local projects within the three subregions of the Pacific, along with collaborations in African, Caribbean countries, and French territories. The primary aim of the initiative is to assist local communities in the Pacific in adapting to climate change through enhanced solutions.
Since its launch, the KIWA Initiative has expanded its budget from €30 million (approximately FJD 71.5 million) to €77 million (around FJD 183.6 million), demonstrating a robust commitment to empowering communities in their resilience against climate impacts. The initiative is backed by five key donors—France, the European Union, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada—who collaborate with regional organizations to identify and support relevant projects.
Currently, two-thirds of the budget is already allocated, and discussions are ongoing to explore new initiatives. The newly signed projects represent the latest additions to the initiative’s growing program aimed at fostering climate resilience among Pacific Island ecosystems, communities, and economies through sustainable, nature-based strategies.
The launch of these projects is a promising advancement in the ongoing battle against climate change, underscoring the international community’s commitment to supporting vulnerable regions. By fostering sustainable practices, the KIWA Initiative continues to pave the way for healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities in the Pacific Islands.
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