Introduction and Background
The Pacific Island nations of Fiji and Vanuatu are among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Their geographic location, dependence on natural resources, and high exposure to climate hazards make them extremely sensitive to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, cyclones, flooding, prolonged droughts, and ecosystem degradation are already affecting livelihoods, food security, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
Communities in Fiji and Vanuatu rely heavily on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Small island communities, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas, face increasing risks to housing, freshwater availability, and traditional livelihoods. While national governments have developed climate adaptation strategies, the effectiveness of adaptation efforts largely depends on strong community engagement and locally driven solutions.
Community-led climate adaptation recognizes local knowledge, traditional governance systems, and indigenous practices as critical assets in building resilience. When communities are empowered to identify risks, plan solutions, and manage resources, adaptation interventions are more sustainable, inclusive, and culturally appropriate. This proposal outlines a community-led climate adaptation program designed to strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities in Fiji and Vanuatu through participatory planning, ecosystem-based adaptation, and livelihood diversification.
Problem Statement
Despite growing awareness of climate change impacts, many communities in Fiji and Vanuatu continue to face significant barriers to effective adaptation:
- Limited financial and technical resources at the community level
- High exposure to extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods
- Degradation of coastal and terrestrial ecosystems
- Declining agricultural productivity and fisheries resources
- Inadequate access to climate-resilient infrastructure and services
Top-down adaptation projects often fail to reflect local priorities, traditional practices, and social dynamics. As a result, interventions may lack ownership, long-term maintenance, and effectiveness. There is a clear need for adaptation programs that place communities at the center of decision-making and implementation.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To enhance climate resilience and adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities in Fiji and Vanuatu through community-led, inclusive, and sustainable climate adaptation initiatives.
Specific Objectives
- To strengthen community capacity to assess climate risks and plan adaptation actions
- To promote ecosystem-based and nature-based adaptation solutions
- To improve climate-resilient livelihoods and food security
- To strengthen local governance and inclusive decision-making processes
- To enhance knowledge sharing and learning across communities
Project Approach and Methodology
The project will adopt a participatory, rights-based, and ecosystem-focused approach, ensuring strong community ownership at every stage.
- Participatory Climate Risk Assessment and Planning
- The project will support communities to conduct participatory climate risk and vulnerability assessments using tools such as:
- Community mapping and seasonal calendars
- Hazard and vulnerability analysis
- Indigenous knowledge documentation
- The project will support communities to conduct participatory climate risk and vulnerability assessments using tools such as:
Based on these assessments, communities will develop locally relevant Climate Adaptation Action Plans (CAAPs) that prioritize risks, identify solutions, and define roles and responsibilities.
- Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA)
- Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in protecting island communities from climate impacts. The project will promote ecosystem-based adaptation measures, including:
- Mangrove restoration and coastal vegetation rehabilitation
- Coral reef and seagrass conservation
- Watershed and forest management
- Protection of traditional fishing grounds
- Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in protecting island communities from climate impacts. The project will promote ecosystem-based adaptation measures, including:
These interventions will reduce disaster risks while enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Food Security
- To reduce dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods, the project will support:
- Climate-resilient agriculture practices (drought- and salt-tolerant crops)
- Improved home gardening and agroforestry systems
- Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices
- Small-scale income-generating activities linked to local value chains
- To reduce dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods, the project will support:
Special emphasis will be placed on food security, nutrition, and income diversification.
- Strengthening Community Governance and Inclusion
- The project will work with traditional leaders, community committees, women’s groups, and youth organizations to strengthen local governance structures. Activities will include:
- Establishment or strengthening of Community Climate Committees
- Training on inclusive decision-making and leadership
- Support for women and youth leadership in adaptation planning
- The project will work with traditional leaders, community committees, women’s groups, and youth organizations to strengthen local governance structures. Activities will include:
Ensuring social inclusion will be a core principle of the project.
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
Target Areas
The project will be implemented in selected climate-vulnerable communities in:
- Coastal and low-lying areas of Fiji
- Island and rural communities in Vanuatu
Selection criteria will include climate exposure, livelihood vulnerability, and community readiness.
Target Beneficiaries
- Primary beneficiaries:
- Coastal and rural households
- Small-scale farmers and fishers
- Women, youth, and indigenous community members
- Secondary beneficiaries:
- Local governments and traditional institutions
- Community-based organizations
- National stakeholders through lessons and evidence
The project aims to directly benefit approximately 3,000–5,000 people across both countries.
Implementation Plan and Timeline
The project will be implemented over 36 months in four phases:
- Phase 1: Community Engagement and Baseline Assessment (Months 1–6)
- Stakeholder consultations and community entry
- Baseline surveys and participatory risk assessments
- Formation or strengthening of community committees
- Phase 2: Planning and Capacity Building (Months 7–15)
- Development of Community Adaptation Action Plans
- Training on climate adaptation, EbA, and livelihoods
- Exchange visits between communities
- Phase 3: Implementation of Adaptation Actions (Months 16–30)
- Implementation of ecosystem restoration activities
- Rollout of livelihood and food security interventions
- Support for community-managed adaptation funds
- Phase 4: Consolidation, Learning, and Scaling (Months 31–36)
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Documentation of best practices and lessons learned
- Policy engagement and scaling strategies
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Capacity building will be delivered through:
- Community workshops and hands-on training
- Peer learning and exchange programs
- Development of locally relevant training materials
- Integration of traditional knowledge with scientific approaches
Regional learning platforms will facilitate knowledge sharing between Fiji and Vanuatu communities.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
Expected Outcomes
- Improved community capacity to plan and implement climate adaptation actions
- Reduced vulnerability to climate-related hazards
- Improved food security and diversified livelihoods
- Strengthened ecosystem health and natural resource management
Long-Term Impact
- Enhanced resilience of island communities to climate change
- Sustainable management of coastal and terrestrial ecosystems
- Increased social cohesion and inclusive governance
- Contribution to national and regional climate adaptation goals
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
The project will prioritize gender equality and social inclusion by:
- Ensuring women’s active participation in planning and leadership roles
- Supporting women-led livelihood initiatives
- Engaging youth as climate champions
- Respecting indigenous rights and customary governance systems
Gender-sensitive indicators will be integrated into monitoring frameworks.
Sustainability and Exit Strategy
Sustainability will be ensured through:
- Strong community ownership and leadership
- Integration with national adaptation strategies
- Capacity building for long-term maintenance
- Linkages with government and development partners
An exit strategy will gradually transition responsibilities to community institutions and local authorities.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
A participatory M&E framework will track:
- Progress of community adaptation plans
- Changes in vulnerability and resilience indicators
- Livelihood and ecosystem outcomes
- Community satisfaction and inclusion
Learning will be shared through reports, case studies, and policy dialogues.
Budget Overview (Indicative)
Major budget categories include:
- Community mobilization and planning
- Ecosystem restoration activities
- Livelihood and food security interventions
- Capacity building and training
- Monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing
A detailed budget will be developed during project inception.
Conclusion
Community-led climate adaptation is essential for building long-term resilience in Pacific Island nations. By empowering communities in Fiji and Vanuatu to lead adaptation planning and implementation, this project will deliver locally relevant, inclusive, and sustainable solutions to climate change challenges. The proposed program offers a scalable model that aligns with national priorities and regional climate resilience goals while strengthening the adaptive capacity of some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
