Mainstreaming Adaptation Planning at the Local Level in Fiji

Fiji developed its National Adaptation Plan in 2018. The Fiji government would now like to integrate adaptation at the local level: in the town development planning and investment plans. This project aims to support mainstreaming the National Adaptation Plan at the local level through various actions including supporting local adaptation planning, investment mobilisation and capacity building.

The project aims to enhance Fiji's climate resilience by integrating adaptation strategies at the local level, particularly in four critical sectors: coastal resilience, resilient infrastructure (including water management), coastal fisheries, climate-smart agriculture. By aligning these efforts with the National Adaptation Plan, the project seeks to strengthen Fiji's capacity to adapt to climate change impacts and secure increased financing for adaptation investments. This initiative is expected to benefit up to 800,000 people living in coastal areas, considering that nearly 90% of Fiji's population resides within 5 km of the coast.

Outcome 3.1 – Adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination strengthened:
- Assessment report on adaptation co-benefits and NAP indicators at the local level
- Methodology and indicator report for assessing coastal resilience measures
- Guideline for planning and implementing seawall and nature-based solutions (NbS)
- Capacity building for 12 local authorities, targeting 50% women
- Sectoral directory booklet on coastal resilience with policies, targets, procedures, and contacts
- Two development plans integrating coastal resilience actions in two local authorities
Outcome 3.2 – Evidence basis to design adaptation solutions for maximum impact:
- Twelve diagnostic studies on coastal areas with technical solutions using NbS and climate-smart agriculture measures
- Four case studies on adaptation with economic benefits for the private sector
- Assessment report of rainwater harvesting needs in Fiji
Outcome 3.4 – Adaptation finance increased:
- Enhanced capacity of two coastal authorities to bring adaptation investments forward
- Two investment plans for local authorities
- Ten trainings on climate finance literacy and risk assessment for 10 coastal communities/towns
- Two feasibility studies for coastal areas to support progression to full proposals
- Two GCF Concept Notes
- One completed PPF ready for submission to GCF

The project has strengthened adaptation planning governance and coordination, generated evidence to design effective local adaptation solutions, and increased adaptation finance by supporting investment planning, feasibility studies, and proposal development.

The project ensures gender considerations are integrated during the project preparation phase, including safeguards, stakeholder engagement, and planning, particularly when developing the PPF after diagnostics, concept notes, and feasibility studies are near completion. -Also in the report states D25Capacity building in adaptation planning for 12 local authorities, targeting 50% women.