Progress report for
Launching of the Kiwa Initiative - nature based solutions for climate resilience
Achievement at a glance
To date Kiwa Initiative is supporting 7 large multi-country projects and 17 local projects in 16 countries and territories.The local projects have made tangible progress in critical areas:
• Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: 20 hectares of marine and coastal ecosystems are now under protection or sustainable management. Initiatives like mangrove planting in Timor-Leste and Fiji, and coastal vegetation restoration in New Caledonia, are enhancing biodiversity and safeguarding shorelines.
• Invasive Alien Species: Efforts in French Polynesia, Niue, and the Solomon Islands have led to progress in removal of invasive plants and the control of black rats, protecting native species and habitats.
• Sustainable Resource Management: Projects in Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and French Polynesia focus on restoring water sources, promoting sustainable food systems, and educating communities on sustainable resource management.
• Community-Led Initiatives: Community-led resource management projects in Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, and Palau have empowered local communities to establish marine managed areas, conserve ecosystems, and restore sea cucumber populations.
• Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems: 14 hectares of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems are now under protection or sustainable management, thanks to reforestation efforts in Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji.
The Initiative also focused on building regional capacity. A capacity needs assessment was completed and a joint capacity development program was designed. A notable event was the launch of the Kiwa NbS capacity needs assessment report in August 2023.
The ongoing regional projects funded by the Kiwa Initiative include:
• POLFN (Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network Project)
• PEBACC+ (Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change +)
• WISH+ (Watershed Interventions for Systems Health +)
• INSPIRE (Invasive Species Prevention and Restoration of Island Ecosystems)
• MiCOAST: focused on scaling up community-based fisheries management (CBFM) and nature-based solutions (NbS) in Micronesia.
• EMPOWER (Engaging Mobilisation for Positive Outcome in Water, Ecosystem, and Resilience)
• RESTORE (Restoring Ecosystems for Sustainable, Transformative, and Resilient Communities)
Challenges faced in implementation
The main challenges relate to low capacities of local beneficiaries to manage very small, small and medium grants.Next Steps
Benedicte CaremierBeneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries are national and local authorities, regional organisations, locally based and international non-governmental organisations and government-owned corporations. The final beneficiaries are local communities in Pacific Island countries and territories.
Actions
Specific actions that positively impact beneficiaries are highlighted under “Achievements”. In addition to the above, the regional projects have achieved the following:POLFN (Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network): Led by the Pacific Community (SPC), POLFN has established 7 Organic Learning Farms across Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Nauru. These farms are demonstrating agroecological practices and are conducting applied research to promote sustainable agriculture. A baseline assessment was conducted at each site utilizing the TAPE tool. A first circle of 326 farmers has been identified and will benefit from specific trainings.
PEBACC+ (Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change +): Implemented by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), PEBACC+ has made strides in ecosystem-based adaptation across Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and Wallis-et-Futuna. Activities include reforestation, community engagement, and policy integration.
WISH+ (Watershed Interventions for Systems Health +): Led by WCS, WISH+ is focusing on improving water security and sanitation in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. A Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process has been completed in 41 communities and baseline monitorings are being conducted to measure the impact of the project interventions.
INSPIRE (Invasive Species Prevention and Restoration of Island Ecosystems): Signed on 04 August 2023, implemented by BirdLife International, INSPIRE has launched activities in Gau Island (Fiji), French Polynesia, Palau, and Samoa, focusing on biosecurity and invasive species management.
MiCOAST: Signed on 06 September 2023, led by OneReef, MiCOAST is focused on scaling up community-based fisheries management (CBFM) and nature-based solutions (NbS) in Micronesia. The project has been establishing a foundation for implementation, including information sharing, establishing administrative procedures, and finalising work plans.