Fiji has achieved a major milestone in its climate resilience journey, with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) governing board endorsing the country’s US$27 million Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) Investment Plan, developed in partnership with the World Bank.
The plan adopts a mountain-to-ocean approach, aiming to strengthen climate resilience across watersheds, coastal zones, and marine ecosystems. It is expected to benefit more than 80,000 Fijians, while advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
Delivering the opening remarks at Fiji’s proposal defence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, said the endorsement reaffirms Fiji’s commitment to building climate-resilient communities. “Fiji has a clear vision: to accelerate growth towards high-income status by 2050 and eliminate poverty. This ambition is inseparable from our climate agenda,” Prof. Prasad said.
“We must invest in smart, adaptive development that protects our people and natural assets from the escalating impacts of climate change. The support of the Climate Investment Funds will help us drive this transition in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and future-focused.”
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, who presented the proposal before the CIF Board, said the plan represents Fiji’s commitment to long-term, transformative change. “This Investment Plan captures our pathway to long-term, transformative change where people and nature can thrive together,” Dr Michael said.
“For Fiji, climate action is not an abstract concept — it defines our economy, our communities, and our identity. These resources will help us restore ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and protect the heritage that binds us as a nation.”
Fiji’s economy remains closely tied to the health of its natural environment — tourism accounts for about 40% of GDP and 20% of jobs, while agriculture, fisheries, and forestry contribute around 32% of GDP and 40% of employment. However, the country faces mounting threats from sea level rise, tropical cyclones, and coastal erosion, with climate-related losses estimated at 5% of GDP annually.
A dedicated US$4 million grant under CIF’s Dedicated Grant Mechanism (DGM) will empower Indigenous Peoples and local communities to lead initiatives rooted in traditional knowledge and sustainable resource management.
CIF Chief Executive Officer Tariye Gbadegesin praised Fiji’s leadership among island nations, noting the country’s proactive stance on climate resilience. “Investing in nature is investing in a secure and prosperous future — especially for Fiji, where the natural environment underpins the economy,” Gbadegesin said.
“Since 2008, CIF has been a committed partner to Small Island Developing States across the Pacific. Now we’re scaling up this work to help vulnerable communities in Fiji and beyond protect and manage the ecosystems that sustain them.”
Fiji is the first Pacific Small Island Developing State (PSIDS) among eight countries selected under CIF’s Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) Investment Program, which supports nations to scale up nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, safeguard biodiversity, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
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