The Fiji Government has secured a $37.3 million grant to strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities facing rising seas, erosion, saltwater intrusion and extreme weather.
The funding will support the Enhancing Climate Resilience of Coastal Communities Sector Project, delivered through a partnership with the Asian Development Bank.
The project will directly support 15 coastal communities and benefit approximately 3,000 Fijians, with women expected to make up at least half of the beneficiaries.
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna outlined the agreement in Parliament, saying the project would respond to the climate pressures already affecting coastal communities.
"This initiative directly responds to the growing threats faced by our coastal communities, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather events," he said.
The grant agreement is valued at USD $16.7 million, or FJD $37.33 million.
It includes USD $15 million from the Asian Development Bank's Asian Development Fund under climate adaptation and disaster resilience financing.
A further USD $1.7 million will come through co-financing from the Ocean Resilience and Coastal Adaptation Trust Fund, supported by the Government of Ireland.
The Fijian Government will also contribute approximately USD $1.86 million through taxes and in-kind support.
The project will focus on coastal protection, climate-resilient livelihoods and stronger institutional systems to support long-term climate adaptation.
Planned coastal protection works include mangrove restoration, improved drainage systems and hybrid "grey-green" infrastructure.
Those works are expected to protect around 3,000 metres of coastline and riverbanks.
The project will also support communities to diversify and strengthen income sources in response to climate impacts.
Capacity-building work will aim to strengthen institutional systems so climate solutions can be sustained and replicated in other areas.
The project will be rolled out in two phases.
Phase one will run from June 2026 to June 2027 and focus on five priority communities.
Those communities are Veivatuloa in Namosi, Nadogoloa and Namarai in Ra, and Vanuavou and Kanakana in Cakaudrove.
Phase two will run from August 2027 to August 2032 and expand the project to another 10 communities.
Those additional communities will be confirmed after further consultations.
The Ministry is currently finalising recruitment for the Project Management Unit and technical consultants.
"We expect full implementation to start in June 2026, with visible progress across the targeted communities," Mr Tunabuna said.
The project comes as Fiji continues to deal with climate risks facing low-lying and coastal communities.
The project's focus on mangroves, drainage and hybrid infrastructure points to a mix of nature-based and built responses.
The project's livelihood component is aimed at helping communities reduce the economic pressure caused by climate impacts.
Mr Tunabuna said the work was part of the Government's wider commitment to protect vulnerable communities and guide development through local needs.
"This Project reflects our continued commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that development is guided by the needs and voices of our people," he said.
The Minister acknowledged the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Ireland, the Ministry of Finance, partner agencies and participating communities for supporting the project.
The grant-backed project will give Fiji a long-term program for coastal resilience across several regions, beginning with the first five communities in June 2026.
