IUCN's efforts for climate resilience in the Pacific Islands
IUCN has become the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it, including addressing the challenges of climate change, advocating for the integration of biodiversity conservation into climate action. With its extensive network of Members, Commission members and partners, IUCN works across various regions, including Oceania, to promote sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate-related threats.
IUCN recognises that climate change is one of the most significant threats to biodiversity and human well-being. The organisation’s strategy involves influencing international climate policies, advocating for Nature-based solutions (NbS), and promoting sustainable practices that can mitigate climate impacts while enhancing ecosystem resilience. IUCN’s NbS for Climate Change programme exemplifies this commitment, highlighting the need to incorporate ecosystem services into climate action plans at local, national, and global levels.
In the Pacific Islands, IUCN Oceania aims on empowering local communities to adapt to climate change through sustainable practices. The region faces unique challenges, including rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and habitat loss, which threaten the livelihoods and cultural identities of local populations. IUCN Oceania employs a diverse tactic that unites community engagement, capacity building, and project implementation to address these pressing issues.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Kiwa Initiative
The Kiwa Initiative is a flagship programme aimed at improving climate resilience in Pacific Island countries. This initiative integrates ecosystem management with community development, ensuring that local voices are included in decision-making processes. By providing technical support and funding, the Kiwa Initiative helps communities implement sustainable practices that protect their natural resources while adapting to climate change.
For example, the Kiwa Initiative has facilitated the restoration of coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, which act as natural barriers against storms and erosion. Ecosystems protect infrastructure and support local fisheries, which are necessary for food security and economic stability. Community workshops help residents understand the importance of these ecosystems and how to get involved in conservation efforts.
BIOPAMA
Another significant project under IUCN Oceania is BIOPAMA, which aims to improve the management of protected areas and biodiversity in the Pacific. This initiative provides tools, resources, and training to enhance the capacity of local governments and communities to manage their natural resources effectively.
BIOPAMA supports the establishment of protected areas that are crucial for conserving biodiversity while also providing ecosystem services that communities depend on. For instance, in Fiji, BIOPAMA has helped local authorities develop management plans for marine protected areas, which are essential for sustaining fish populations and protecting coral reefs. By involving local communities in the planning and management processes, BIOPAMA ensures that conservation efforts are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
IUCN places a strong emphasis on community engagement as a cornerstone of its climate change strategy. By involving local populations in the design and implementation of projects, IUCN ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate and effective. Workshops and training sessions are conducted to build local capacity, equipping communities with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable practices in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resource management.
IUCN also values traditional knowledge as a vital component of climate adaptation strategies. Many Pacific Island communities possess a deep understanding of their local ecosystems, having coexisted with them for generations. By integrating this knowledge with scientific research, IUCN develops more effective and culturally relevant solutions to climate challenges.
On a broader scale, IUCN advocates for policies that recognise the importance of nature in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The organisation works with governments, NGOs, and international bodies to promote the inclusion of biodiversity considerations in climate agreements and national policies. IUCN’s influence extends to high-level discussions at forums such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where it emphasizes the need for Nature-based Solutions as part of global climate strategies.
IUCN’s work in the Pacific region also aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt biodiversity loss and enhance ecosystem resilience. By promoting the integration of biodiversity into climate action, IUCN helps ensure that conservation efforts contribute to broader sustainable development goals.
IUCN's method to climate change, merging global advocacy with local action, is needed for building resilience in vulnerable regions like the Pacific Islands. Through grant programmes such as the Kiwa Initiative and BIOPAMA, IUCN Oceania inspires communities to adapt to climate impacts while preserving their natural resources and cultural heritage. The organisation’s engagement to mix nature into climate solutions ensures a sustainable and hopeful future for communities worldwide.
Through the financial assistance of donors such as European Union, Agence Française de Développement, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and ACP group of states. IUCN is bringing together governments, NGOs, and local communities to find new solutions for climate change, loss of biodiversity, and sustainable development. Through its work, IUCN is helping create a strong and sustainable future for the Pacific Islands and beyond.