Fiji has successfully secured $27 million from the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) to support its strategic Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) investment plan. This funding was announced by Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, during the “Run for Climate 2025” event. The initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and restore ecosystems through a comprehensive mountain-to-ocean approach, impacting critical areas like watersheds, coastal zones, and marine environments.
Developed in partnership with the World Bank, this ambitious plan is projected to benefit over 80,000 Fijians directly while also prioritizing biodiversity conservation. Dr. Michael emphasized that nature plays a crucial role in the lives of Pacific communities, with the health of the environment directly linked to the economy, particularly in sectors like tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.
The CIF investment aligns with Fiji’s National Adaptation Plan and showcases the government’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development. In addition to the $27 million allocation, the NPC investment plan includes an additional $4 million set aside for Indigenous peoples and local communities to implement climate solutions reflective of their traditional knowledge.
CIF CEO Tariye Gbadegesin highlighted the importance of this investment as a means to secure both environmental and economic futures, stressing that safeguarding ecosystems is essential for prosperity in Fiji. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad echoed these sentiments, linking climate resilience to the nation’s goals of high-income status by 2050 and poverty eradication.
Dr. Michael also called for collective action, particularly from youth-led organizations like the Alliance for Future Generations, which advocates for sustainable futures and has over 500 members from various backgrounds, including those from rural and maritime regions. He reinforced the need for community-driven solutions to protect Fiji’s natural resources and to secure the well-being of future generations.
This proactive approach to climate finance not only exemplifies Fiji’s efforts in navigating environmental challenges but also serves as an inspiration for other nations facing similar threats. By prioritizing sustainable practices and fostering community involvement, Fiji is cultivating hope for a resilient and sustainable future in the face of climate change.
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