Kiwa Initiative
Island and Ocean Ecosystems

As part of the Kiwa Initiative, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) will be providing technical assistance to regional project leaders wishing to apply to the new call for ideas for regional projects launched on 23 September 2021 by the Kiwa Secretariat.

The Kiwa Initiative – Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience aims at strengthening the climate change resilience of Pacific Islands ecosystems, communities and economies through NbS, by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity.

It is based on an easier access to funding for climate change adaptation and NbS for local, national authorities, civil society and regional organisations of Pacific Island Countries and Territories including the three French overseas territories.

“This new call is a great opportunity for Pacific Island Countries and Territories to collaborate and experiment the co-benefits of Nature-based Solutions to adapt to climate change,” said Dr Nicolas Rocle, Marine and Coastal Conservation specialist at SPREP. The budget for a regional project is from 1.5 to 5M€ in grants.

“A range of activities can be financed through the Kiwa regional grants, from new pilot projects to deeper transformative actions addressing both environmental and social issues for building a resilient Pacific.”

The Initiative is funded by the European Union, Agence Française de Développement, Global Affairs Canada, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Kiwa Initiative has established partnerships with the Pacific Community (SPC), SPREP and the regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This new call for ideas for regional projects targets projects that implement biodiversity conservation activities for adaptation to climate change through Nature-based Solutions. They must have a regional dimension by involving at least two of the 19 eligible countries and territories.

Potential project partners include national authorities and public institutions from the 19 eligible countries and territories; Pacific regional organisations recognised by the Pacific Island States and Territories such as SPC or SPREP; and International NGOs.

Following two previous calls for regional projects, this new one is now opened until 4 April 2022.

Project leaders and partners can benefit from technical assistance provided by SPREP and SPC.

SPREP is providing technical assistance to project leaders for the development of their concept notes and makes its expertise available to ensure a tailor-made technical assistance, in a coherent manner with all the partners of the Initiative.

As part of its technical assistance to the Kiwa Initiative, SPREP will continue to support successful applicants in the development and implementation of their regional projects. It also provides additional training to its Members on the implementation and mainstreaming of Nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation in the Pacific.

For more information about SPREP’s Technical Assistance to the Kiwa Initiative and to regional project leaders, please contact Ms Mathilde Kraft, Kiwa Project Development Coordinator, at [email protected]

For more information about the Kiwa Initiative and eligibility criteria for the regional projects call, please visit the Initiative website: https://kiwainitiative.org/en/

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Kiwa Initiative