Conservation International Fiji

🇫🇯 Fiji is world-renowned for its stunning coastlines, but this July, our journey goes far deeper than the travel experience itself.

will be stepping onto the ground to support the heartbeat of local environmental stewardship: women-led climate solutions.

This is not a vacation - it is an opportunity to contribute to ecosystems and communities adapting to a changing climate. Throughout the expedition, we will be working alongside our charity partner, Conservation International Fiji, to support local changemakers driving tangible environmental impact:

🌱 Regenerative Ocean Livelihoods
Harvesting sea grapes with the Namuaimada Women's Group to support food security, natural carbon sinks, and sustainable coastal economies.

🌳 Ecosystem Rehabilitation
Meeting the Nanukuloa Women's Group and participating in a tree-planting initiative to help restore and strengthen local ecosystems.

🌊 Blue Carbon Restoration
Joining Barotu Village leaders to visit and plant trees at cyclone-damaged mangrove restoration sites, helping to protect vital coastal habitats and carbon sinks.

When local women are empowered with resources, knowledge, and market access, the positive ripple effects extend far beyond individuals - transforming families, communities, and ecosystems.

We aren't just visiting the Pacific; we are standing alongside the women helping to shape its more resilient and sustainable future.

🔗 Learn more about our mission here: https://www.herplanetearth.com/news/from-insight-to-action-her-planet-earths-fiji-journey-to-the-frontlines-of-climate-resilience

Did you know that mangroves have (carbon) hoarding issues?

In a single square mile, mangroves hold as much carbon as the annual emissions of 90,000 cars, making them a critical solution to climate change.

More fun mangrove facts on - https://www.conservation.org/learning/mangrove-facts

Ask NOAA!

NOAA. (2022, June 8. Coastal Blue Carbon. National Ocean Service website. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coastal-blue-carbon/

Happy Mangrove Day 2026.

Coastal Blue Carbon Coastal salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass beds are incredibly efficient at capturing and storing large quantities of carbon – referred to as coastal blue carbon.

Lau Province Launches Fiji Development Banks Lau Seascape Stewardship Impact Facility

A significant milestone for sustainable development in the Lau Province was marked at Studio 6 in Suva with the launch of the FDB Lau Seascape Stewardship Impact Facility, a partnership between Conservation International (CI) Fiji and the Fiji Development Bank (FDB).

The event was attended by the Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, alongside his Masi ni Vanua, the chiefs from the 13 districts of Lau, and representatives from various groups across the province.

In his remarks, the Paramount Chief acknowledged and thanked Conservation International Fiji for its extensive work and long-standing commitment to the people of Lau. He also expressed gratitude to the Fiji Development Bank for joining the initiative and supporting efforts to promote sustainable businesses and economic opportunities throughout the province.

During the launch, FDB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Filimone Waqabaca, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting communities in Lau through accessible financial services and tailored business support.

The Lau Impact Facility Fund, led by Conservation International Fiji in partnership with FDB, aims to support sustainable economic development, strengthen livelihoods, foster entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for individuals, communities, and businesses across the Lau Group.

The facility will help scale Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including cooperatives and eco-tourism ventures, into Fiji’s mainstream formal business sector. Key objectives include:

- Supporting enterprises that integrate biodiversity protection, climate-smart livelihoods, and ecosystem restoration into their operations.
- Building resilient community entrepreneurs through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives that balance conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
- Aligning financial investments with national and global conservation commitments, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Leveraging Conservation International’s global expertise in conservation finance, marine science, and strategic partnerships to strengthen FDB’s lending portfolio, practices, and impact measurement.

The rollout of the facility has already begun in Yasayasa Moala, where FDB joined Conservation International on a recent visit to conduct Financial Literacy Training, register interested SMEs, and assist potential clients in developing loan proposals under the concessionary climate finance package.

Looking ahead, the FDB team is expected to visit Matuku and Totoya in September, before expanding services to the Lakeba cluster and nearby islands (Vakataukata), followed by Vanua Balavu, Cicia, and neighbouring islands, ensuring the benefits of the facility reach communities across the Lau Group.

The MOU and partnership with FDB is funded by the United Kingdom Foreign Development Office (UKFCDO) through its flagship Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme.

These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to empowering communities, strengthening local economies, and protecting Lau’s unique natural environment through sustainable and inclusive development.

Fiji Development Bank UK in Fiji

"I am deeply impressed by the foresight and leadership of the traditional leaders of the Cook Islands, particularly the House of Ariki, in establishing the Ui Ariki Ngateitei o te Kuki Airani (UANKA) as a vehicle to transform their vision into practical action. The creation of a dedicated entity that can receive grants, mobilize investments, provide financial support, and operationalize the aspirations of traditional leaders is an innovative approach that bridges customary governance with modern development needs.

For Lau, this model offers valuable lessons. Our traditional governance systems remain strong, but to effectively respond to contemporary challenges and opportunities, we must also create mechanisms that can attract resources, strengthen community enterprises, and support nature-based livelihoods.

By adapting elements of the Cook Islands approach, we can establish strategic partnerships and sustainable financing pathways that empower our people, particularly those engaged in conservation, fisheries, ecotourism, and other nature-positive businesses.

The Lau Seascape Initiative has provided an opportunity to learn from successful Pacific examples and consider how traditional leadership can drive economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and community prosperity for future generations."

Malakai Ulubati
Member of the Vaka ni Matuku Clan
Representative of the Tui Matuku.

The Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange held in the Cook Islands was a platform for leaders to dialogue and speak to the traditional cornerstones that formulated governance and leadership in our communities.

Translating these principles into conservation outcomes was the centre of discussions and exchange.

The heart of the matter required the essence of Pacific mutual respect and decorum, where our hierarchy of shared values and responsibility, determines our success.

The future shines brighter after the event and its participants reveled in the collective spirit of Pacific determinism and the call to action for indigenous voices speaking with clarity and boldness, as confident and unrelenting as the waves on our Pacific shores.

It was in this spirit of collaboration and exchange that Tui Moala, Roko Irivi Draunidalo, as part the of the Lau Seascape Chiefly delegation, shared these words…

Indigenous leaders, traditional authorities, youth representatives and conservation practitioners from across the Pacific came together in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, for the Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange.

Held alongside the 60th anniversary of the House of Ariki, the Exchange celebrated the strength of Indigenous knowledge, customary governance and community leadership in protecting nature and building climate resilience.

From sharing governance models and traditional management approaches, to exploring inter‑generational knowledge transfer, sustainable financing, and youth engagement, the week was about learning from one another and strengthening the partnerships that will help our people, cultures and ecosystems thrive for generations to come.

Conservation International Pacific was proud to convene this important gathering with IUCN Oceania and Ui Ariki Ngateitei o te Kuki Airani (UANKA), alongside Indigenous leaders from across the Pacific

Demonstrating that Indigenous leadership is not only central to conservation—it is essential for the future of our region.

It was in this spirit of collaboration and exchange that the Turaga na Sau kei Totoya representing the Vanua ko Lau with the blessings of the High Chief, Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, shared these words…

🌺 Kia orana from the Cook Islands! 🌺

Earlier this week, the GEF ICI – Fiji team touched down in Rarotonga. With the blessing of Tui Nayau, Sau ni vanua ko Lau (Deputy Chairman GCC), the team presented their kidavanua to Kaumaiti Nui, President of the House of Ariki.

Conservation International, alongside UANKA, is co‑hosting the Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange in the Cook Islands. By convening traditional leaders, Indigenous knowledge holders, women, and youth, CI helps amplify Pacific voices and strengthen Indigenous‑led conservation. Their role bridges cultural leadership with global support, ensuring traditional knowledge remains central to caring for nature.

This exchange of respect and tradition marks a powerful step in strengthening Pacific ties, honoring cultural leadership, and advancing shared conservation goals.

This exchange is a salute to the critical synergy that sovereign customary rights bring for sustainable locally led conservation.

Hope is here to stay.