Australia is taking meaningful action on climate change at home and in partnership with the region. Australia is proud to contribute to the French-led Kiwa Initiative as we collectively support the Pacific’s response to climate change.   

The French-led Kiwa Initiative aims to strengthen resilience to climate change by supporting biodiversity conservation for Pacific island ecosystems, communities and economies. The Kiwa Initiative brings together five donors: France, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.  

Australia has proudly contributed to Kiwa since 2020, and is pleased to be celebrating the fifth anniversary of this partnership. The Australian Government remains deeply committed to action on climate change, both at home and in our region. The Kiwa Initiative is an important demonstration of this commitment.  

Kiwa has 17 local and 9 regional projects across the Pacific with plans to continue expanding these efforts. Kiwa is strengthening resilience to climate change in Samoa through the INSPIRE program, which, in partnership with the Samoa Conservation Society, focuses on invasive species management for resilient ecosystems within the Gasegase catchment area, supporting the Afiamalu, Malololelei, Papaseea, Moamoa and Alafua communities. To date, the program has restored degraded land through the planting of 3,050 native seedlings and the removal of over 2,000 invasive trees.  

Working with Conservation International Samoa, Kiwa’s RESTORE program is promoting community-based ecosystem restoration through Nature-based Solutions - working with local communities to restore mangroves and coral reefs, stabilise shorelines, and support sustainable livelihoods, ultimately strengthening resilience to climate change. 15 communities across A’ana Alofi-4, Aiga-le-Tai, Faleatai and Samatu districts are currently engaging in consultation for mangrove restoration work. A perception survey was also conducted as part of the RESTORE program, with more than 200 marine resource users across 15 coastal villages in Samoa participating. The survey revealed strong community support for nature-based solutions, with the need for more capacity building, tools and ongoing support to take effective action.