The Ministry of Climate Change has unveiled new initiatives aimed at improving access to climate financing for a wide range of stakeholders, including communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. In a recent interview, Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Climate Change, shared insights about the ministry’s accomplishments and future strategies in enhancing climate finance accessibility.
Over the past year, the Ministry successfully mobilized an impressive USD 142.7 million in climate finance through collaborations with various sector ministries. This significant funding has enabled the execution of numerous climate adaptation and resilience projects nationwide. Dr. Michael emphasized that this financial support was not solely overseen by the Ministry, but was a joint effort involving other ministries, including Public Works, Energy and Transport, and Agriculture, which played crucial roles in project implementation.
Dr. Michael highlighted the ministry’s focus on simplifying access to funding by introducing targeted mechanisms. A key initiative mentioned was the quick grants program, which allows applications to be submitted with minimal bureaucracy, requiring only a few weeks for proposal approval. The funding available through this program ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 25,000.
Additionally, the Communities Climate Adaptation Fund offers even greater support, providing up to USD 100,000 to assist selected communities that are already in the implementation stage. Communities like Macuata-i-wai, Narata, and Vuniniudrovu are among the first beneficiaries of this significant funding.
The collaboration of the Climate Finance Team and the Project Development Unit has been vital in sourcing diverse funding opportunities. The ministry aims to support applicants whether they seek assistance from the government, engage directly with communities, or work through NGOs and private sector channels. Efforts to broaden the scope of funding applications for the private sector and NGOs have also been emphasized.
To promote wider community participation, Dr. Michael reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to equipping communities with the necessary knowledge, tools, and support to develop strong project proposals. This inclusive approach is designed to ensure that all communities have the opportunity to engage in climate action, regardless of their prior capacity challenges.
These initiatives signify an important advancement in the fight against climate change, offering essential financial resources that empower local communities to take control of their environmental futures, while also fostering a collaborative spirit nationwide.