MANILA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $16.7 million grant to bolster Fiji’s initiatives to protect coastal communities vulnerable to storm surges, sea level rise, and coastal erosion.
The ADB-supported Enhancing Climate Resilience of Coastal Communities Sector Project will enhance the resilience of coastal communities and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to extreme weather events.
“The project’s primary goal is to support the Government of Fiji’s efforts to improve community resilience, particularly among those reliant on coastal and fisheries-based livelihoods,” said the Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office Aaron Batten. “About 15 vulnerable coastal communities will directly benefit from the project, which focuses on addressing the needs of vulnerable and low-income households, including those headed by women.”
The government estimates that cyclones and flooding alone likely cause average annual losses equivalent to 5.8% of the country’s gross domestic product.
The project will provide nature-based coastal protection measures, and restore around 3,000 meters of coastline and riverbanks through revegetation and mangrove planting. It will also increase community engagement and strengthen institutional capacities of the government to design, implement, and manage integrated coastal protection measures to help mitigate sea level rise and extreme weather.
This initiative is funded by a $15 million grant from ADB’s Asian Development Fund, which provides grants to the poorest and most vulnerable countries in Asia and the Pacific. During 2021–2024, the fund helped 384,000 people emerge from poverty and generated around 500,000 jobs.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
