OVER 200,000 people across the Pacific benefit directly from 45 Kiwa-supported projects that have strengthened livelihoods and enhanced community resilience.
The Kiwa Initiative is funded by €EURO 80 million from five donors, supporting 45 projects in 17 Pacific countries.
Funding increased from €EURO 30 million in 2020 to €EURO 80 million by 2026, ensuring focused impact, with donors prioritising community feedback and ecosystem health to guide project decisions.
“This scale demonstrates broad social impact beyond environmental restoration, with ongoing efforts aiming to increase this reach further through new projects,” said Aurélie Ahmim-Richard, Regional Policy Officer on Biodiversity and Climate at AFD Pacific regional office.
“The community-centred approach ensures benefits are meaningful and sustainable.”
Donors value community feedback demonstrating tangible ecological and livelihood benefits from Kiwa restoration projects in Navitilevu Bay, Ra Province.
She said communities report catching fish and crabs, which are vital to local livelihoods, and donors appreciate firsthand evidence of nature-based solutions improving resilience.
“This feedback informs donor discussions on project priorities and partnerships, and Coordination with regional bodies like SPC, SPREP, and IUCN is key to efficient fund use.
“The RESTORE project on mangrove restoration exemplifies how funds support community adaptation efforts, and direct donor involvement onsite helps ensure transparency and strengthens project accountability.”
Nature-based solutions in the Kiwa Initiative directly enhance community resilience and livelihoods.
Mangrove restoration projects restore ecosystems, boosting fish and crab populations for local use, with communities attesting to the benefits.
“Mangroves provide natural protection and support fisheries critical to community food security, and Conservation International supports small enterprises led by women, producing honey and coconut cream,” said Ahmim-Richard.
“These enterprises create new income streams, strengthening community economic resilience, and the initiative fosters dynamic, ecosystem-based livelihoods that adapt to climate challenges.”
Strong collaboration between donors and regional partners drives effective implementation and strategic learning.
Donors use site visits and community interactions to shape future project choices and partnerships.
She added that on-the-ground insights help align funding with local needs and priorities, with an emphasis on making funds reach communities efficiently to maximise impact.
“This collaborative model strengthens regional climate adaptation capacity.”
Donor feedback loops enhance project design and ecosystem-health monitoring.
“Continuous learning from community outcomes informs project evolution, and donors focus on ecosystem health as a key resilience indicator.
“This process fosters trust and accountability between donors, implementers, and communities. It also supports adaptive management to improve long-term sustainability.”
