The project will address challenges identified to implement adaptation actions including lack of capacity at the local level to mainstream adaptation in development planning with a focus on agriculture, fisheries, water supply and coastal resilience and infrastructure to enable implementation of the National Adaptation Plan; lack of guidance and capacity for local level project conceptualization and investment planning, particularly for coastal resilience; lack of feasibility studies for the needed investments in adaptation at the subnational level; and lack of guidelines on local climate financing for the development of resilient investment projects. To note due to Fiji being a relatively small Island with small distances to the coast and a interrelated issues due to climate change induced sea level rise and increasing intensity rains, this proposal ‘coastal’ resilience includes riverine flooding due to climate change. 

This grant aims to improve the country’s climate resiliency and facilitate implementation of the National Adaptation Plan by mainstreaming adaptation at the local level focusing on four sectors: coastal resilience, resilient infrastructure including for water, coastal fisheries and climate smart agriculture. It will be achieved through (1) strengthened inclusive adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination through development of guidance and indicators, capacity building and dissemination of information; (2) evidence-based design of local adaptation solutions for maximum impact through sector specific case studies and technical assessments; (3) private sector engagement in adaptation to increase capacity for project conceptualization and investment, (4) conceptualization, preparation of feasibility studies and proposal preparation to secure investment.