In order to strengthen the adaptation of Pacific territories to the effects of climate change and better protect their biodiversity, the Kiwa Initiative supports projects focused on nature-based solutions through grants and technical assistance. The regional projects window managed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

The regional projects window managed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) makes it possible to finance projects worth more than 1.5 million euros. 

The name of Kiwa, both guardian of the ocean in the mythology of certain Maori tribes and goddess of mother-of-pearl and crustaceans in Polynesian mythology, is a symbol of the protection of the oceans and of biodiversity.

Types of Support

At the service of communities, the Kiwa Initiative operates in Pacific island states and territories, including the three French overseas communities, and supports projects focused on nature-based solutions (SFN) through three windows:

• a window dedicated to regional projects exceeding 1.5 million euros  managed by the Secretariat of the Kiwa Initiative.
• a technical assistance program delivered by the Pacific Community ( SPC ) and the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP)
• calls for projects piloted by the IUCN based in Fiji with very small grants (25 to 50,000 euros), small grants (50 to 100,000 euros) and medium grants (100 to 400,000 euros). Contact the Kiwa initiative desk at IUCN

Funding & Duration

• The amount of unit funding granted by the Strategic Orientation Committee (COS) of the Kiwa Initiative is between 1.5 and 5 million euros.
• Co-financing is desired but not compulsory.
• Funding for the Kiwa Initiative is multiannual but cannot exceed 4 years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible project leaders: national authorities, local authorities, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations under local and international law wishing to develop a project in an island State or island territory eligible for official development assistance from the OECD , as well as in three French communities in the Pacific.
• Conditions: the proposed projects must promote nature-based solutions according to the IUCN definition, contribute to adaptation to climate change and include at least one regional dimension (cooperation with a neighboring territory, pooling, capitalization, exchanges).
• Particular attention will be paid to proposals which seek to:
  • fit within the framework of regional, national or local public policies
  • develop a gender-sensitive approach and the preservation of traditional lifestyles
  • cooperate with the least developed countries (LDCs) and with the French overseas communities.
• The project can be submitted in French or in English.

For more information, visit The Kiwa Initiative.