Fiji pushes for faster climate funding access

Fiji mobilised approximately $142.7 million in 2025 through climate-related project proposals, partnerships with development partners and accredited entities.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya made the remarks while opening the Climate Finance Proposal Development Write-shop at the Galaxy Hotel and Apartments conference room in Labasa today.

Ms Tabuya said the investments supported renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, ecosystem protection and community adaptation.

“This is progress we should acknowledge, but it also reminds us that climate finance does not happen by accident,” Ms Tabuya said.

“It is built through strong institutions, capable people, coordinated planning and partnerships that are focused on delivery.”

The ministry, through its Programme Development Unit and Climate Finance Unit, remains committed to supporting the work.

“We want to strengthen Fiji’s climate finance pipeline and help our institutions move from ideas to quality proposals, and from proposals to real investment,” she said.

Fiji continues to advocate strongly at the global level for better and faster access to climate finance, especially for Small Island Developing States.

“Our message is clear: Countries already facing the impacts of climate change must not be left struggling to access the resources needed to adapt, recover and protect their people,” she said.

“But we must also be honest with ourselves: Climate finance is becoming more competitive.

“A good idea is no longer enough.

“We need strong proposals, clear project logic, credible evidence, community ownership, and projects that can show impact, value for money and alignment with Fiji’s national priorities.”

Ms Tabuya said the workshop was a practical step towards strengthening Fiji’s ability to turn community needs into strong climate investments.

She said climate change was already being felt across Fiji through coastal erosion, flooding, prolonged dry spells, saltwater intrusion, stronger cyclones, damaged farms, affected water sources and increasing pressure on families, villages, businesses and public infrastructure.

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