Fiji has secured USD 52.53 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a landmark Forest Landscape Restoration Project that will restore forests, watersheds and coastal ecosystems while strengthening climate resilience across nine provinces.Approved at the 45th GCF Board Meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the seven-year project includes USD 29.35 million in GCF grant funding and USD 23.18 million in co-financing. It is Fijiβs second single-country GCF project since 2017 and will directly benefit almost 197,000 Fijians.
Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, said the approval demonstrates why Fiji must continue to have a strong presence at global climate forums.
βWhen Fiji is at the table, Fiji is heard. These international meetings are not just about speeches. They are where partnerships are built, climate finance is unlocked, and investment-ready projects are advanced for our line ministries to deliver real benefits to our people. This approval shows why we must continue to engage globally while delivering locally. I thank my team for working hard and putting in long hours to prepare the proposal that was finally approved by GCF.β
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change and Fijiβs GCF National Designated Authority, Dr. Sivendra Michael, said the investment marks a major step forward in strengthening climate resilience, protecting natural ecosystems and supporting sustainable livelihoods through an integrated ridge-to-reef approach.
βThis approval comes at a critical time for Fiji. It reaffirms the vital role of climate finance in building resilience and enabling transformative climate action across Small Island Developing States.”
The Ministry acknowledged the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministries of Fisheries and Forestry, Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji Pine Limited, Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited, and other national partners whose collaboration helped secure the funding.
The project will target priority watersheds across nine provinces.
In Viti Levu, the project will cover Serua, Nadroga/Navosa, Ba, Ra, Naitasiri and Tailevu. In Vanua Levu, it will cover Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata.
The project is expected to directly increase the resilience of approximately 196,877 people, with a further 149,715 people expected to benefit indirectly.
The project will restore more than 80,000 hectares of forest and agricultural landscapes, strengthen over 90,000 hectares of coastal and marine ecosystems, and remove an estimated 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, reinforcing Fijiβs commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development.