Twenty-four (24) communities across the Pacific will benefit from the Kiwa EMPOWER Regional Project, officially launched in Suva by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, yesterday (18.03.25).
The Engagement Mobilisation for Positive Outcome in Water, Ecosystem, and Resilience (EMPOWER) Project aims to enhance community resilience by empowering local populations to address climate change impacts through nature-based solutions (NBS).
While officiating at the launch, Minister Bulitavu emphasised the critical need for collaborative and urgent action to mitigate climate risks, protect communities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of ecosystems.
He reaffirmed the Fiji government’s commitment to working closely with Live & Learn on this initiative, recognising its role in strengthening environmental and climate resilience.
“The Kiwa EMPOWER Project will enable communities to adapt and thrive in a changing climate by restoring ecosystems, integrating Indigenous knowledge with innovative practices, and ensuring inclusive decision-making,” Minister Bulitavu stated.
He added that the initiative will support the restoration and revitalisation of forests, mangroves, and watersheds, promote climate-smart agriculture, and encourage sustainable land-use practices.
“These actions will not only help safeguard food security but also enhance the resilience of livelihoods, ensuring long-term sustainability for the communities involved,” he said.
“In my capacity as Minister for Climate Change, I fully endorse and support this initiative, which is aligned with Fiji’s National Climate Change Policy as well as key regional and global frameworks, including the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement.”
The Kiwa EMPOWER Project will be implemented across Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu, directly benefiting approximately 20,000 people in 24 communities 20 in Fiji, two in Tuvalu, and two in the Solomon Islands.
The project, valued at €3 million (FJD 7.6 million), will be implemented by Live & Learn. Funding for this project has been provided by the governments of Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and the European Union.