Fiji: Kiwa Initiative announces four new projects at 12th Steering Committee Meeting, reinforcing Pacific leadership in Nature-based Solutions for climate resilience

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The Kiwa Initiative has announced four new projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience in the Pacific Islands, reinforcing its commitment to nature-based solutions. Funded through a multi-donor program, these initiatives support over 45 projects across various Pacific nations.

Countries: Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Kiribati, New Caledonia (France), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu Source: Agence Française de Développement The Kiwa Initiative today announced the launch of four new projects at its 12th Steering Committee Meeting, held in Suva, Fiji. The announcement comes as the Initiative, a multi-donor programme managed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and funded by France, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, continues to expand its reach, now supporting over 45 projects - with the 4 new announced today, in 17 Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Three new regional projects and one new local project were unveiled at a press conference on the sidelines of the 12th Steering Committee Meeting in presence of the donors, reflecting the Initiative's commitment to scaling up Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation throughout the Pacific. Erik LINDEBO, Team Leader - Climate Change and Natural Resources, Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific, and Chair of the Steering Committee says “The launch of these four new projects today is a testament to the donors' shared resolve to stand by Pacific communities as they face some of the most severe consequences of climate change. Through the Kiwa Initiative, we are investing not just in ecosystems, but in the resilience, livelihoods, and futures of Pacific peoples." For Dr. Sivendra MICHAEL, Permanent Secretary, Fijian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change “Here in Fiji, the Kiwa Initiative has already made a meaningful contribution since its inception. Through 10 ongoing Kiwa projects and a new regional project about to be launched, we are seeing tangible efforts to strengthen ecosystem and community resilience, manage ecosystems, restore degraded landscapes, and support nearly 200 Fijian communities in adapting to the increasing impacts of climate change. These interventions are closely aligned with Fiji’s national priorities, including our climate adaptation strategies and our commitment to sustainable land and coastal management.” Three New Regional Projects 1. Kiwa cFISH — Scaling Community-based Fisheries Management through Information, Learning and Action Led by Multiplier/cChange | French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands |May 2026 – September 2029 | €4,971,122 | Pacific Island communities are deeply reliant on coastal fisheries, yet climate change, population growth, and unsustainable practices are placing these resources under growing strain. In Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and French Polynesia, Kiwa cFISH regional project, led by Multiplier/cChange, tackles this challenge head-on by scaling community-based fisheries management (CBFM) through a proven National Information Strategy (NIS) model, successfully piloted under the Pacific European Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme. Rather than relying on intensive, site-based approaches, cFISH pioneers a more sustainable model by building the capacity of national and sub-national institutions to lead and sustain cost-effective CBFM strategies over the long term. Through targeted information campaigns, grassroots networking, and hands-on training, the project will empower remote and marginalised communities, women and youth in particular, to advocate for and implement locally-led fisheries management measures. Concrete targets include at least 40% of communities in New Ireland Province (PNG) and 30% in Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands) implementing or improving local management measures, and at least 30% of existing regulated fishing zones (Zones de pêche réglementées) in French Polynesia showing improved management outcomes. By fostering regional and sub-national learning networks, Kiwa cFISH project aims to build a validated, replicable model for scaling CBFM across the Pacific. Kiwa’s support of the cFish project provides critical investment in an innovated approach to scale practical, locally-driven Nature-based Solutions, providing hope for communities facing increasing challenges from climate change and natural resource decline,” said Scott Radway, project director for Kiwa cFish. “This project also brings together ensure a powerful network of grassroots organisations that are best positioned to drive sustainable change and ensure support flows down to communities. 2. Pacific CIRCLE — The Virtuous Cycle of Community Inclusion to Strengthen Climate and Ecosystem Resilience Led by ActionAid Australia | Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu | May 2026 – September 2029 | €4,807,671 | Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, and Vanuatu are among the Pacific's most climate-vulnerable nations, facing rising sea levels, intensifying disasters, and the disruption of agriculture and fishing-based livelihoods. For women, youth, and people with disabilities, these impacts are even more acute. Pacific CIRCLE, led by ActionAid Australia, in partnership with Global Network of Civil Society Organisations