The Kiwa Initiative supports climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories through a call for local projects

The workshop aimed to familiarise interested and potential grant recipients with the Kiwa Initiative local projects component, was attended by various partners including national and local authorities, civil societies, international and local NGOs and regional organisations from across the region.

“We are excited to see more than 200 potential grant recipients ranging from government, NGOs, civil society groups already registered to attend this Kiwa Initiative awareness event. This three-day workshop will raise awareness on the grant types, eligibility criteria and application process. While this is the first stage of awareness, a more specific capacity building workshop for potential grantees is also in the pipeline.” said Etika Qica, IUCN Kiwa Initiative Coordinator.

The Kiwa Initiative, a multi-donor programme, hopes to strengthen the resilience of Pacific countries and territories’ ecosystems, economies and communities by setting up a one-stop-shop for funding projects that promote Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.

Managed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the initiative of 35 million euros* is the first international cooperation programme to bring together the European Union (EU), AFD, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

“The philosophy of the Kiwa Initiative is built around Nature-based Solutions. Nature must be our best ally. The more functional nature is, the better it enables humanity, communities and territories to respond to the effects of climate change and to be less vulnerable.” said Mr Philippe Renault, AFD Pacific Regional director.

Over the three days, participants of the workshops have equipped themselves with the Kiwa Initiative grants portfolio and processes, eligibility criteria of the grants and address queries that they may have with respect to the Kiwa Initiative local projects component.

While potential grant recipients and interested organisations joined the three-day workshop this week, the official launch, including the call for proposals for the Kiwa Initiative local projects component, will be held and opened on Tuesday, 22 June 2021.

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^{*This total amount is subject to the approval of the addendum to the Contribution agreement between AFD and the European Union for the EU top-up of €4M.}