The International Union for Conservation of Nature in Oceania has unveiled 15 locally led projects that use Nature-based Solutions to confront climate change across the Pacific, spanning ten Pacific Island countries and territories including Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Timor-Leste, and Wallis & Futuna. The initiatives tackle sustainable fisheries management, habitat restoration, invasive species control, women’s economic empowerment, and the preservation of cultural and traditional knowledge.
Pacific communities are taking the lead in designing solutions that honor local environments, cultures, and traditions, according to Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, regional director of IUCN Oceania. She emphasized that Nature-based Solutions strengthen both ecosystems and communities and are essential for a resilient future in the region, while also noting that donor support is crucial to keep Pacific voices central in climate action.
In related developments, Elodie Vitalis, head of the Agence Française de Développement in Fiji, highlighted the Kiwa Initiative’s growth over five years to more than 40 projects across 17 countries and territories, benefiting more than 220,000 people. She pointed to the high demand for funding—more than 430 proposals were submitted—and noted that AFD is proud to coordinate the Initiative and chair the Steering Committee in 2025. The Kiwa Initiative’s expanded reach reflects a Pacific-led push to help communities adapt to climate change through nature-based solutions, fostering long-term resilience and environmental stewardship.
The launch coincides with a week-long induction workshop for new grantees from August 26-29, designed to provide technical guidance, training, and ongoing support to ensure effective project implementation.
This effort demonstrates a sustained commitment to climate resilience in the Pacific, with Kiwa Empower and related KIWA projects illustrating how international collaboration, paired with locally driven action, can empower communities to safeguard ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage in the face of climate pressures. The program’s growth and continued donor engagement signal optimism for a more sustainable and resilient Pacific.
Why this matters for readers:
– Nature-based solutions are being designed and led by local communities, increasing relevance and effectiveness on the ground.
– The expansion of Kiwa and related initiatives shows international cooperation translating into tangible benefits for thousands of people across multiple Pacific nations.
– Ongoing donor support and capacity-building workshops aim to ensure long-term impact and local leadership in climate adaptation.
Summary: A major Pacific-wide push to deploy nature-based climate resilience projects—led locally, supported by a coalition of donors, and reinforced by coordinated regional efforts—aims to strengthen ecosystems, livelihoods, and cultural heritage across ten countries.
Positive note: The emphasis on local leadership, gender empowerment, and cultural knowledge helps ensure that resilience measures are both practical and inclusive, offering a hopeful path forward for communities facing climate change.
Leave a comment