20 June 2023, Suva Fiji - Integrating human rights, gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) in the work of the Kiwa Initiative is critical to strengthening climate change resilience of Pacific Island ecosystems, communities and economies through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
In line with this, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with Talanoa Consulting and the Pacific Community (SPC) provided specific support to Kiwa project beneficiaries to ensure GEDSI is effectively integrated into Kiwa projects being implemented in 15 Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs).
The support was provided during a Kiwa Initiative Regional Workshop held in Suva Fiji on 18 May 2023. It was attended by 35 representatives from Kiwa regional projects, including PoetCOM for Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network, SPREP for the PEBACC+ project, Wildlife Conservation Society for the WISH+ project, BirdLife for the INSPIRE project, OneReef for the MiCOAST project and other Kiwa partners.
The workshop socialised key concepts and terms related to Human Rights, Human Rights-based Approach (HRBA) and GEDSI. The participants discussed why these matter in nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, and how they can apply it to their work.
During the workshop, Gender and Human Rights Specialist, Ms Natalie Makhoul and SPC Advisor on GESI and Fisheries, Ms Margaret Fox, presented on the lessons from the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme, which has an overarching goal of integrating GEDSI and Human Rights into fisheries, and uplifting people-centred approaches.
Ms. Makhoul highlighted the importance of finding “gentle entry points” to have these important discussions.
“What we have learned through PEUMP is the importance of stepping back,” she said. “There are still lots of misconceptions around what gender and human rights mean, so it’s important to create a dialogue with partners around their needs and understanding of these concepts without assuming anything.”
Most Kiwa beneficiaries working in the conservation sector already had some experience in human rights-based approaches and gender equity, disability and social inclusion and an understanding of why these issues matter to their work. They also acknowledged gaps where improvements are needed.
Critical areas were identified where human rights and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects intersect, including culturally appropriate human rights-based approaches when working with communities, inclusive facilitation, as well engagement with, and for, people with disabilities, as a key cross-cutting issue.
The workshop followed the Kiwa Steering Committee meeting also held in Suva, Fiji, on 16 May 2023.
The Kiwa Initiative awarded grants to two additional regional projects INSPIRE (INvasive SPecIes management for Resilient Ecosystems and societiEs) project, led by BirdLife International, and MiCOAST (MICronesian Community-based Fisheries Management and NbS for COASTal resilience) project, led by OneReef and announced the selection of four local projects in Pacific Island Countries, to enhance climate change adaptation thanks to Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
The Kiwa Initiative budget has now reached more than EUR 75 million (FJD 180 million)thanks to increased donor contributions from France and Canada. Aotearoa New Zealand is this year’s Chair of the Kiwa Initiative.
The integration of gender and human rights is one of the six pillars that guide the work of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Human Rights and Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) are embedded across all areas of the Technical Assistance provided by SPREP and the Pacific Community (SPC) to the Kiwa Initiative.
About the Kiwa Initiative
The Kiwa Initiative – Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience aims at strengthening the climate change resilience of Pacific Islands ecosystems, communities and economies through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity.
It is based on an easier access to funding for climate change adaptation and NbS for local, national authorities, civil society and regional organisations of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) including the three French overseas territories. The Initiative is funded by the European Union,
Agence Française de Développement, Global Affairs Canada, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The Kiwa Initiative has established partnerships with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. More information on www.kiwainitiative.org;
@InitiativeKiwa @KiwaInitiative Kiwa Initiative
For more information, please contact Mathilde Kraft, Kiwa Initiative Project Development Coordinator at [email protected] .