Short Summary:

Fiji is turning to nature-based solutions (NbS) for coastal protection supported by the KIWA Initiative. These include planting mangroves, installing boulder structures, and using vetiver grass. NbS offers a range of other benefits to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

Description (Details):

The Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning (PACCSAP) programme, a joint programme of Australia and Pacific countries to raise awareness of climate science impacts and adaptation options, warns that Fiji will face increasingly severe climate challenges. It predicts that the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones will increase, and when combined with the longer-term effects of sea level rise, Fiji’s coastal regions will be exposed to considerable climate risks in the future.

To mitigate these risks, Fiji is turning to nature-based solutions (NbS), like the construction of nature-based seawalls. The KIWA Initiative, led by the Fiji Ministry of Waterways, is a regional program backed by the European Union, Agence Française de Développement, Global Affairs Canada, the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Its aim is to promote the use of nature-based solutions in Pacific nations. In Fiji’s nature-based seawall project, a combination of natural elements is used to protect coastal areas. These include planting mangroves, installing boulder structures, and using vetiver grass to prevent soil erosion.

One of the key advantages of nature-based seawalls is their contribution to ecosystem conservation. Mangrove planting, in particular, not only fortifies the coastline but also enhances biodiversity and creates habitats for marine life. Afforestation activities linked to these seawalls are also seen as a way to mitigate climate change by increasing carbon sinks. This dual function of protection and climate change mitigation makes nature-based seawalls a sustainable solution for Fiji’s coastal regions. Another important benefit of these nature-based solutions is their positive impact on economic and social development. For coastal communities, maintaining access to the ocean is vital for livelihoods, as it enables fishing and other economic activities essential for securing food and income. While effective at preventing disasters, traditional grey infrastructure, such as embankments, is often accompanied by significant downsides. They are expensive to construct and maintain, and they can disrupt local ecosystems, negatively affecting fishing and other ocean-based activities. In contrast, nature-based seawalls are more in harmony with the environment and the traditional ways of life of coastal communities, preserving access to the ocean and sustaining economic activities.

While the initial implementation of nature-based seawalls in Fiji holds promise, ongoing data collection and monitoring are essential to evaluate their long-term effectiveness. Tracking the protective function of these solutions, along with their environmental, economic, and social benefits, will provide valuable insights for future projects. By learning more about how these nature-based seawalls perform over time, Fiji and other small island nations can refine their strategies for climate adaptation and better prepare for the challenges ahead.

Fiji’s nature-based seawalls offer a multifaceted approach to addressing the risks posed by sea level rise and extreme weather events. By combining coastal protection with ecosystem conservation and social development, these solutions provide a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional infrastructure. With ongoing monitoring and adaptation, Fiji’s efforts could serve as a model for other nations facing similar climate-related challenges, helping to build more resilient coastal communities in the Pacific region.