The Ministry of Climate Change has announced new initiatives aimed at enhancing access to climate finance for diverse stakeholders, including communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Climate Change, provided insights during a recent interview about the achievements and future plans in this area.
In the past year, the Ministry mobilized an impressive USD 142.7 million in climate finance through partnerships with various sector ministries, which has facilitated numerous climate adaptation and resilience projects across the nation. Dr. Michael noted that this funding was not solely managed by the Ministry but involved several other ministries, including Public Works, Energy and Transport, and Agriculture, which collectively contributed to the implementation of these projects.
Highlighting the importance of accessibility, Dr. Michael discussed targeted funding mechanisms designed to streamline the application process. “The work that we are talking about right now is the quick grants,” he explained, indicating that these grants can be applied for with far less bureaucracy than typical funding routes, requiring only a few weeks for proposals. The amounts available through this particular scheme range from USD 5,000 to USD 25,000.
Moreover, the Communities Climate Adaptation Fund provides even greater support, offering up to USD 100,000 to assist selected communities already in the implementation phase. Locations such as Macuata-i-wai, Narata, and Vuniniudrovu are among the first beneficiaries of this funding.
Dr. Michael emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Climate Finance Team and the Project Development Unit in identifying diverse funding sources. They aim to guide applicants whether they are approaching the government, seeking direct community motivation, or working through NGOs and the private sector. The ministry has made concerted efforts to expand opportunities for private sector and NGO climate funding applications.
To foster broader engagement, Dr. Michael reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to equipping communities with the necessary knowledge, tools, and support to create robust project proposals. This approach aims to ensure inclusivity, allowing every community to participate in climate action, regardless of prior capacity challenges.
The initiative represents a crucial step forward in addressing climate change impacts, providing essential financial support to empower local communities to take charge of their environmental futures.