Fifteen vulnerable coastal communities in Fiji are set to receive support through a US$17.89 million climate resilience project aimed at reducing the impacts of coastal erosion, flooding, sea-level rise and other climate-related hazards.
Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry and the Asian Development Bank signed the Inception Mission Memorandum of Understanding for the Enhancing Climate Resilience of Coastal Communities Sector Project at the ministry headquarters in Raiwaqa.
Director of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Marau Vuli signed the memorandum with Asian Development Bank Mission Leader Alexia Sotiriadou, marking the next step in moving the project towards implementation.
The project is funded through a US$15 million grant from the Asian Development Bank's Asian Development Fund, a US$1.70 million grant from the Ocean Resilience and Coastal Adaptation Trust Fund, and a US$1.19 million contribution from the Government of Fiji.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry will implement the project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities across Fiji.
Mr Vuli welcomed the partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the support for Fiji's coastal communities.
"It is a great opportunity for the Ministry to partner with Asian Development Bank in delivering this project," he said.
"With this level of funding support, we are demonstrating our capacity to deliver more for the people of Fiji and strengthen the resilience of our coastal communities."
The project will support communities through nature-based and hybrid coastal protection measures, ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives, climate-resilient livelihood development and institutional capacity building.
Mangrove restoration will form part of the ecosystem-based adaptation work, while other measures will focus on protecting coastal areas exposed to climate impacts.
The project is also expected to support livelihood development for communities facing climate risks.
Mr Vuli said the project would also strengthen capacity within the ministry, particularly in project management, safeguards compliance and risk mitigation.
The signing follows the approval of the grant agreement and provides a pathway for the project's six-year implementation period.
The Asian Development Bank said the agreement would help guide the project through its six-year rollout.
"The inception mission was critical and timely in clarifying the next steps following the signing of the grant agreement," Ms Sotiriadou said.
"This [Memorandum of Understanding] provides detailed guidance for implementation and helps ensure the project remains on track throughout its six-year duration."
Ms Sotiriadou reaffirmed the Asian Development Bank's commitment to supporting the ministry through the implementation process.
She also emphasised the importance of close collaboration to address challenges and meet the project's objectives.
Project activities began in late 2025 with the establishment of a Project Management Unit and the recruitment of consultants.
Major implementation activities are scheduled to begin from 2026.
The project aligns with Fiji's wider efforts to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience, particularly for coastal communities exposed to increasing environmental pressures.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry and the Asian Development Bank will continue working with stakeholders to deliver the project.
The ministry said the project was intended to provide sustainable and resilient solutions for coastal communities across Fiji for generations to come.
