Suva, Fiji - October 23, 2024 – The Kiwa Initiative through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) convened its third regional workshop focused on integrating Gender Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and human rights within Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate resilience. This pivotal workshop gathers most of the Kiwa project teams and aimed at sharing lessons learned so far from the work undertaken to better integrate GEDSI in Kiwa funded projects. By doing so, this regional event aims at reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on Climate Action, Gender Equality, and Partnerships.
Pacific Island leaders have pledged their support to gender equality through various commitments, including the Pacific Platform for Action on Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights 2018-2030 and the Pacific Framework for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2016-2025. The workshop seeks to enhance regional capacities and foster cooperation to effectively address GEDSI issues in climate adaptation projects.
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group representative based in Fiji, Ms. Elodie Vitalis in her opening remarks stated, “This workshop presents an opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge regarding GEDSI as well as what has been achieved and the challenges faced. It is essential that we collectively learn from our wide variety of experiences and readily overcome barriers together.
This also provides an additional opportunity of bringing all actors committed to this topic together in a dedicated community of practice, fostering peer-to-peer exchange on new learnings and experiences. This is essential for participants as they express their needs so that they can be supported effectively according to their contexts.”
Facilitated by Talanoa Consulting and SPREP, the workshop gathered 25 representatives from partners, project management teams, and GEDSI focal points under the Kiwa Initiative, which currently supports 17 local and 5 regional projects across 16 Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Participants engaged in discussions on integrating GEDSI into NbS, sharing valuable lessons learned and developing key recommendations to guide future initiatives.
The workshop engaged experts on the empowerment of marginalized groups, shared insights through storytelling from the field, created actionable recommendations for GEDSI and human rights integration at project and regional levels, and enhanced GEDSI progress through Environmental and Social Commitments.
Marshall Islands Conservation Society Executive Director, Ms. Dolores Debrum-Kattil speaking about the workshop said, “Each community is unique, so it’s important to educate ourselves before engaging with them. We must consider their social, environmental, and economic contexts and keep our expectations realistic. When communities are given the opportunity and support to contribute, they will participate. We always prioritise diverse voices, ensuring that the perspectives of women and girls are included. Our experience shows that beginning consultations with GEDSI topics and allowing for self-identification fosters meaningful discussions, encourages engagement, and adds an element of enjoyment to the process.”
SPREP Project Coordinator for the Kiwa Initiative, Ms. Mathilde Kraft said, “It is wonderful to see NbS practitioners from across coming together to share their experience and support each other in finding new ideas and strategies to ensure their Kiwa projects have fair benefits for people and nature. There is much to learn from the efforts and dedication of this community of professionals to advance GEDSI in Pacific NbS.”
The outcomes from this workshop will be promoted regionally and internationally, amplifying the voices of Pacific communities on GEDSI, climate change, and biodiversity, and informing future initiatives. The workshop was hosted at the Holiday Inn, Suva, Fiji on 22 and 23 October 2024.
For more information, please contact:
SPREP - Project Coordinator, Kiwa Initiative, Ms. Matilde Kraft at [email protected]
SPREP - Communications Officer, PEBACC+, Ms. Setaita Tavanabola at [email protected]
About the Kiwa Initiative - The Kiwa Initiative - Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience aims to build the resilience of Pacific Island ecosystems, communities, and economies to climate change through NbS by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity. It is based on simplified access to funding for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation actions for local and national governments, civil society, and regional organizations in Pacific Island Countries and Territories. The Initiative is funded by the European Union, Agence française de développement (AFD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It has established partnerships with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Oceania Regional Office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN - ORO). For more information: The Kiwa Initiative - Climate Resilience in the Pacific Islands thanks to Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
About SPREP - SPREP is the regional organisation established by the Governments and Administrations of the Pacific charged with protecting and managing the environment and natural resources of the Pacific. The establishment of SPREP in 1993 sends a clear signal to the global community of the deep commitment of Pacific Island Governments and Administrations for better management of the environment within the context of sustainable development. The strategic direction for SPREP is clearly set out in the 2017-2026 SPREP Strategic Plan. The Plan outlines the mandate, vision and programmes for the organisation, and places strong emphasis on effective delivery of services to SPREP Member countries and territories. www.sprep.org