A £3 million ($F7.5 million) climate resilience initiative, known as the Kiwa Empower project, was launched in Suva, aimed at benefiting 24 communities across Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. The project, funded through the Kiwa Initiative, will employ nature-based solutions to tackle critical climate challenges faced by these regions.
Doris Susau, country director of Live & Learn Fiji, emphasized that the project will prioritize food security, water management, and the restoration of eroded coastal and inland areas. “Nature-based solutions are essential to address the pressing climate change issues impacting our communities,” she stated, highlighting the collaboration with government partners to identify key issues such as food security, livelihoods, and sustainable water resource management.
The targeted communities include 20 sites in the Northern Division of Vanua Levu, encompassing Cakaudrove, Bua, and Macuata provinces. Additionally, two remote atoll communities in Tuvalu and two villages in the Solomon Islands will also be part of this transformative initiative.
An inclusive approach will be central to the project, with significant engagement from women and youth in all activities, ensuring that local voices are prioritized in the implementation of these initiatives.
Funding for this project comes from five international partners as part of the Kiwa Initiative: the European Union, French government, Australian government, New Zealand government, and Canadian government. Implementation is set to commence following a regional workshop, with stakeholder engagement planned for March and April 2025, marking an essential step towards building resilience against climate change.
This project embodies hope for vulnerable communities facing climate-related challenges, showcasing how collaborative efforts and nature-based strategies can lead to significant environmental and socio-economic benefits. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to inspire further action towards sustainable development and adaptation strategies across the region.
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