Progress with Purpose: Building a Resilient Pacific Together

Over the course of several days, IUCN had the opportunity to demonstrate the tangible progress made through the Kiwa Initiative's Component A Grant Facility, despite a turbulent six months filled with operational challenges, delays, and external obstacles. The visit was a powerful moment of validation, not just of results achieved, but of the enduring commitment and resilience of IUCN and its partners on the ground.

The mission wasn’t just about reporting back - it was about showing impact. From site visits to meaningful engagements with local communities, including students and tribal leaders, the message was clear: adaptation is possible when we work together.

The visit to the PERENNE project site, a key nature-based restoration initiative led by WWF New Caledonia was a highlight. It showcased how schools, farmers, and traditional landowners are collaborating to protect riparian forests along the Néra River, building climate resilience in one of New Caledonia’s most vulnerable regions. As students from Collège Sacré Coeur proudly shared their conservation efforts, it reminded all present of the intergenerational power of local engagement.

Throughout the donor meetings, steering committee discussions, and field visits, one message consistently emerged: partnerships are essential.

From Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to local grantees and community leaders, every actor plays a vital role in making progress real. The open dialogues in Nouméa reaffirmed shared commitment, strengthened coordination, and refocused collective energy toward community-driven, nature-based solutions.

As Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, IUCN Oceania Regional Director, emphasized during her strategic update, "Our direction must remain anchored in local priorities. Only then can we truly reflect the needs and aspirations of Pacific communities."

Coinciding with International Biodiversity Day, the gathering also celebrated the announcement of two new regional projects under the Kiwa Initiative - yet another step in ensuring a sustainable future for Pacific peoples.

The energy in the room was one of hope. It was a reminder that even in difficult times, progress is possible when commitment, collaboration, and community intersect. The IUCN team’s ability to deliver under pressure and continue empowering grantees and local actors speaks volumes about what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

The New Caledonia mission was more than just a checkpoint, it was a celebration of perseverance, a showcase of partnership, and a clear signal that the Kiwa Initiative is on a strong path forward.

As we move into the next phase of implementation, the lessons from this visit will serve as a guiding light: that resilience is built together, and that even in the face of adversity, our collective efforts can restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and inspire the region.