Canada commits $12m to back Pacific women-led climate resilience

Canada has committed more than $12 million to support women-led, climate-resilient enterprises across Fiji and the Pacific through the Pasifika Women Entrepreneurs as Island Guardians (Pasifika WE-Guardians) Project.

Speaking at the project’s launch today at South Sea Orchids in Nadi, Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai said the investment reflected Canada’s long-term commitment to Fiji and the wider Pacific.

“When women succeed, communities thrive. Supporting women entrepreneurs is one of the smartest investments we can make for local economies and a sustainable future,” Mr Sarai said.

The multi-year regional initiative aims to place Pacific women at the forefront of climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem protection, as climate impacts intensify across the region.

The project focuses on improving climate-smart production, expanding market access, and strengthening value chains for women entrepreneurs whose livelihoods depend on land and ocean resources.

Mr Sarai said climate change in the Pacific was no longer theoretical.

“It’s real, it’s happening, and the solutions being led by women here are essential to protecting communities and ecosystems,” he said.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the initiative recognised Pacific women not as victims of climate change, but as leaders of solutions.

“Women are guardians of resilience, protectors of nature and architects of climate-smart economies,”Ms Kiran said.

“When women are empowered, ecosystems are protected, disaster recovery is faster and communities are stronger.”

The Pasifika WE-Guardians Project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, supporting rural and nature-based businesses in Fiji, Samoa and Tuvalu.

Alinea International vice-president for programme delivery Tanya Salewski said the $7.8 million Canadian investment was designed to deliver locally owned solutions.

“Durable climate adaptation must be defined and led by communities themselves,” Ms Salewski said.

“Small, targeted investments, paired with strong local leadership, can unlock disproportionate benefits for livelihoods and ecosystems.”

The project has already delivered results in Fiji through targeted Innovation Fund investments supporting women-led enterprises such as South Sea Orchids and South Pacific Coffee.

These include climate-adapted infrastructure, processing equipment and training aimed at reducing losses from extreme weather while improving productivity and income security.

South Sea Orchids founder and director Aileen Burness said hosting the launch was a proud moment for women in business.

“This partnership represents practical, meaningful support that opens doors for families and communities,” Ms Burness said.

As climate pressures grow across the Pacific, the Pasifika WE-Guardians Project is emerging as a model for how international investment, local leadership and women’s entrepreneurship can work together to protect nature while securing livelihoods for future generations.