Fiji secured USD$27 million last week from the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) to support our Nature, People and Climate (NPC) investment plan.
Permanent Secretary for Environment, Dr Sivendra Michael highlighted this at the Run for Climate 2025 this morning organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific and German Embassy in Suva in partnership with the Suva Marathon Club and the Alliance for Future Generations Fiji.
Dr Michael says the plan sets out a mountain to ocean approach, prioritising climate resilience and ecosystem restoration across watersheds, coastal zones and marine areas.
He says developed in close partnership with the World Bank, these investments are designed to reach over 80,000 Fijians and boost biodiversity.
The Permanent Secretary says they know that nature is critical to the lives and livelihoods of communities across the Pacific Islands region.
Dr Michael says currently, The Alliance for Future Generations (AFG) boasts a growing membership of over 500 members belonging to diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including those from rural, remote and maritime areas.
He says recognizing the interconnectedness of the issues that young Fijians face, AFG takes a coordinated, intersectional and human-rights-based approach to identify and address the root causes of social, economic, and ecological challenges.
The Permanent Secretary says we need leadership and participation from AFG and other youth movements to shape Fiji’s future.
He says they recognize the challenges that lie ahead of us in achieving our national goals and aspirations for sustainable development, climate resilience and ocean action.
Dr Michael also recognizes that we cannot do this alone.
He says we need partners—governments, financial institutions, philanthropies, NGOs, and the private sector—to join us in scaling solutions.
The Permanent Secretary says the tide is rising, but so too must our resolve.
He says for Fiji, ambition is not measured in words, it is measured in mangroves planted, reefs restored, villages protected, and lives and livelihoods secured.
Dr Michael says let this be our collective pledge: it is time to listen to our youth, and advance the solutions that heal the ocean, protect our islands, and secure a safe and just climate future for all.
