The Kiwa Initiative launches new projects in New Caledonia and French Polynesia

The Kiwa Initiative has announced the launch of five new local projects in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, as well as a new regional project, further strengthening its commitment to climate change adaptation and biodiversity protection in the Pacific.

These five projects were selected through the call for projects launched in 2021 by IUCN-Oceania, a partner of the Kiwa Initiative. Together, they benefit from a total budget of €739,796 (approximately CFP 88.3 million – XPF) and will be implemented across various Overseas Countries and Territories.

Selected local projects

The selected projects are:

• PERENNE – Protection and restoration of the Néra River riparian forests
  (WWF France – New Caledonia Office)
• SARA – Safeguarding, restoration and adaptation of seabird colonies and associated ecosystem services
  (Northern Province, New Caledonia)
• HÙN MÔÔ’M KAHOK – Human behaviour
  (Association for the Conservation and Co-management of Mount Panié – ACCMP Dayu Biik, New Caledonia)
• ARU KOMO – Preservation of water resources on the Anaa atoll
  (Pu tahi haga no Ganaa Association, French Polynesia)
• PROTECT UA HUKA – Development of the biodiversity protection programme on Ua Huka
  (Vaiku’a i te manu o Ua Huka Association, French Polynesia)

A new regional project

In addition, the Kiwa Initiative announced the launch of the Kiwa INSPIRE regional project, implemented by BirdLife International in Fiji, Palau, Samoa and French Polynesia. The project aims to improve and integrate the management of invasive species as a key climate change adaptation tool in priority biodiversity sites.

Through these new projects, the Kiwa Initiative strengthens its action in support of local and regional solutions that enhance the resilience of Pacific ecosystems and communities in the face of climate challenges.