Fifteen locally led projects designed to harness nature-based solutions (NBS) have been awarded across ten Pacific countries and territories, including Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, and the French territories. The funding and project management are being coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Oceania under the KIWA initiative, with the aim of mitigating climate change impacts across the region.
The IUCN Oceania team launched the new round of projects in Suva, highlighting the importance of community-driven climate action. IUCN Oceania regional director Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago stressed that Pacific communities are not passive sufferers of climate change, but active leaders shaping solutions that draw on local environments, culture and traditions. He noted that nature-based approaches strengthen both ecosystems and communities and are essential for a resilient Pacific future, thanking donors for their continued support to keep Pacific voices central in climate action.
Donor representatives emphasized the KIWA initiative’s growth and reach. Elodie Vitalis, head of Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in Fiji, pointed out that KIWA has expanded to more than 40 regional projects in five years, benefiting over 220,000 people across 17 Pacific Island countries and territories. She highlighted strong demand and creativity, with more than 430 project proposals received since the calls began, reflecting broad regional interest. AFD is one of KIWA’s five main donors and chairs the initiative’s steering committee in 2025.
The new projects cover a range of focus areas, including community-based fisheries governance, ecosystem restoration, agroforestry and reforestation, empowering women’s groups, safeguarding cultural heritage and biodiversity, and enhancing coastal resilience. Grantees will participate in an intensive workshop series through August 29 to learn the processes, implementation practices, and technical guidance needed to manage and deliver the projects effectively.
The initiative is part of a broader Pacific-led strategy to fortify climate resilience through nature-based solutions, combining international funding with locally grounded action. The new round of KIWA projects follows a track record of regional and local efforts that have connected communities with resources and knowledge to protect ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage in the face of climate pressures.
Why this matters for readers:
– Local leadership is at the heart of these projects, increasing relevance and effectiveness on the ground.
– KIWA’s expansion signals sustained international cooperation that translates into tangible benefits for communities across multiple Pacific nations.
– Ongoing donor engagement and capacity-building activities aim to sustain impact and deepen local climate adaptation expertise.
Summary: The KIWA Initiative is expanding its regional push to fortify Pacific climate resilience through locally led, nature-based solutions. The fifteen new projects, funded by a coalition of donors and coordinated by IUCN, aim to protect ecosystems, bolster livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage across ten countries, with a strong emphasis on community leadership and gender inclusion.
Additional value notes:
– The emphasis on empowering women and incorporating cultural knowledge helps ensure resilience strategies are practical and inclusive, aligning environmental goals with social well-being.
– The induction workshops reflect a structured approach to capacity building, which is crucial for the long-term success of such multi-partner programs.
Logical outlook: If the funded projects demonstrate effective community engagement and locally appropriate solutions, the KIWA initiative could serve as a scalable model for climate adaptation in other regions facing similar vulnerabilities. The continued donor support and regional collaboration are key factors that could sustain momentum and widen positive impacts in coming years.
Overall, the launch represents a hopeful step forward for Pacific communities facing climate change, showcasing international partnership united with local leadership to protect ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage.
Leave a comment