The UN Development Programme (UNDP) recently launched a Small Grants Initiative to fund resilient community projects in seven Pacific Island countries including Fiji.
Launched last Friday, the initiative will provide technical support and grants of up to US$30,000 to Pacific-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) whose projects will enhance community resilience in the areas of agriculture, water, public health, energy and infrastructure.
The grant is open to registered CSOs in Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
“We see this initiative as a great opportunity to ensure that communities are well informed and aware of the underlying threats posed by climate change and disasters. Risk-informing development will ensure maximum benefit to the communities,” said the Manager Decentralisation for the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Department of Local Authority in Vanuatu, Ben Tabi.
“All investments need to be more risk-informed and future-proofed to consider the impact of climate change, disasters and the long-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic,” said Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management in Fiji, David Kolitagane.
Speaking during the launch, Korea’s Ambassador to Fiji, Young-kyu Park said, “we look forward to seeing the project impacts felt on the ground, with benefits reaching communities and people in the Pacific. We would like to sincerely thank the participating governments of the Pacific, UNDP, and stakeholders who contributed to supporting and shaping this timely and significant Initiative”.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes added, “Australia remains a steadfast partner in supporting the Pacific to build resilience to climate change and disasters, and is pleased to support this Initiative. Actions and ideas at the local level play a critical role in the creation of more resilient and sustainable communities.”
Adele Plummer, Climate Change and Environment Unit Manager for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, recognised the significant contribution of the new grants scheme in boosting the Pacific’s resilience to climate change.
“These grants provide an important opportunity for communities to work together with local governments on risk-informed development projects,” Plummer said.
The implementation period for approved projects will be between 6 to 12 months. Applications are due by 5.30 pm (GMT+12) on 16 September.
