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Resilient Communities

Nature based Solutions (NbS)

Climate resilience

Food preservation

Disaster Risk Reduction

Gender & Social Inclusion

Empowered communities

Gear to put black spots on radar

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), received nine computer sets worth $30,000 from Live and Learn Fiji and Care Australia last week to boost future disaster response operations in the Northern Division. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster […]

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Fiji Advances Infrastructure Resilience with IRIS Partnership

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Mr. Paula Baleilevuka, has called for stronger collaboration, innovative financing, and community-driven action to strengthen Fiji’s infrastructure resilience against disasters. Speaking on the second day of the National Workshop on Assessment of Fiscal Risks Due to Disasters in Critical Infrastructure Sectors, Mr. Baleilevuka […]

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Kiwa EMPOWER brings hope to remote Islands in Solomon Islands

Two small island communities in Solomon Islands will benefit from the Kiwa Empower project officially launched yesterday. Nifili Island in Temotu Province and Sikaiana Island in Malaita Province are the two sites where the project will work with stakeholders to strengthen nature based solutions (NbS) aimed at inclusive and equitable climate change adaptation, food and […]

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Kiwa Empower Project Officially Launched

The Kiwa Initiative launched its EMPOWER project with support from Australia and other donors in Solomon Islands on 24 June. The Kiwa EMPOWER project will restore ecosystems and improve the health of waterways to increase climate resilience in two remote communities: Sikaiana in Malaita Province and Nifiloli in Temotu Province. In Solomon Islands, the EMPOWER […]

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Villagers work on restoring grassland areas

The Yavusa Kavula Restoration Programme in Bua Province, is making remarkable progress in restoring grassland areas within the five Mataqali of Yavusa Kavula. This initiative is being undertaken between the Ministry of Forestry and the environmental NGO Live and Learn Fiji. As part of the programme, the Yavusa Kavula has already planted 2,836 native assorted […]

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Climate resilience with Vetiver grass planting

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and Live and Learn Fiji are spearheading the Atoll Food Futures program. It focuses on the strategic planting of Vetiver grass to counteract the adverse impacts of climate change on the environment. The initiative primarily targets informal settlements including Kilikali, Mataniborosisi, Waikerekere and Bilo along the Suva corridor where […]

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Training for sustainable agriculture and food security

Government officials and participants from Australia and neighboring Pacific countries have gathered in Fiji for a week-long training program aimed at addressing food security, ending hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The event, organized by non-government organization Live and Learn Pacific Network, has brought together representatives to discuss challenges, share successful strategies, and work towards a […]

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Tunabuna calls for collaborative effort to enhance food security

The ever-increasing frequency and strength of natural disasters, the impacts of climate change, and inefficient agricultural production are among many other challenges that have exacerbated the struggles faced by vulnerable communities in accessing basic nutrition. This has been highlighted by Assistant Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna while speaking during the Pacific Food Week workshop. Tunabuna […]

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Gardening & Food preservation

Residents of Kilikali Settlement plant seedlings during a workshop as part of the project by Live & Learn on Wednesday. IVE & Learn Fiji is a non-government organisation that has a strong history of implementing water, sanitation and hygiene projects in our communities. But they have gone a step further to help two settlements in […]

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Cabinet approves team

Cabinet has approved the formation of a National Emergency Response Team. National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) director Vasiti Soko confirmed this while delivering her closing remarks at a five-day emergency operation centre training at the Fiji Teachers Union Hall on Friday. “This is nothing new in the disaster space globally,” she said. “Solomon Islands is […]

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Category: Resilience

Gear to put black spots on radar

Posted on by Paradise

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), received nine computer sets worth $30,000 from Live and Learn Fiji and Care Australia last week to boost future disaster response operations in the Northern Division.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu received the handover certificate of the items which have been shipped to the North.

He said the computers would be used to complement the high frequency radio systems which were being installed in several black spot areas in the Northern Division.

“Such thoughtful actions are commended and the benefits, I must say, that will not only be a huge boost to the 9HF radio capabilities in the Northern Division but, more importantly, service delivery component – communication – of the ministry during disasters,” he said.

“The greatest advantage of these HF radios is its capability to make communications in long distance stations between the ground level and base emergency operation centres during disasters, and also its reliability to communicate even when the network has been altered or communication towers damaged.

“Now, with the capacity of the 9 new desktop computers, the HF radios can be connected to these computers and they also have the ability to send emails.”

He said such timely support was a boost to their communication systems before, during and after disasters and this act of generosity marked a clear direction to fulfilling the 2030 Global Agenda of reaching the furthest first and leaving no one behind.

In his remarks during the handover ceremony, AHP (Australian Humanitarian Partnership) Fiji country committee coordinator 2021 Josefa Lalabalavu said its partners appreciated the support and partnership of the ministry and NDMO and looked forward to more opportunities for collaboration.

“This, we believe, will support preparedness activities within the Northern Division as well as facilitate response work during times of natural disasters,” he said.

Source: Fiji Times

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu during a meeting with his senior staff.Picture:Supplied

Fiji Advances Infrastructure Resilience with IRIS Partnership

Posted on by Paradise

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Mr. Paula Baleilevuka, has called for stronger collaboration, innovative financing, and community-driven action to strengthen Fiji’s infrastructure resilience against disasters.

Speaking on the second day of the National Workshop on Assessment of Fiscal Risks Due to Disasters in Critical Infrastructure Sectors, Mr. Baleilevuka highlighted the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) programme as a key partner in building Fiji’s capacity to withstand and recover from natural hazards.

“Through IRIS, Fiji is not only bolstering road and transport systems, but also improving preparedness across utilities, telecommunications, housing, and coastal protection,” he said. “We must leverage this momentum to integrate resilience into every sector of our national development.”

IRIS, a flagship initiative of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), was launched at COP26 to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through grants, technical expertise, and capacity building. Backed by donor commitments of USD 40–50 million from partners including India, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia, IRIS focuses on country-driven projects in areas such as resilient building codes, nature-based solutions, and integrated disaster warning systems.

A key Fiji-based IRIS project developed in collaboration with the Fiji Meteorological Service, Live & Learn Fiji, and the National Disaster Management Office aims to map, assess, and plan for a comprehensive Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. This will merge tsunami, storm, and flood alerts into a unified platform, improving response times, public communication, and institutional preparedness.

Mr. Baleilevuka urged government agencies, development partners, and communities to:

✅️Leverage the IRIS funding pipeline for projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

✅️Integrate fiscal safeguards into infrastructure planning, ensuring budgets include contingencies for climate and disaster risks.

✅️Foster cross-agency collaboration so that ministries and sectors align in infrastructure risk assessments and resilience strategies.

“This workshop is more than a meeting it is a launchpad for resilient fiscal stewardship and infrastructure security in Fiji and across the Pacific,” he said. “By acting now, we not only reduce disaster losses, but we also safeguard our economic, cultural, and environmental assets for future generations.”

The two-day workshop brings together local and international experts, government officials, and development partners to strengthen Fiji’s disaster risk frameworks and build a pipeline of resilient infrastructure projects for the Pacific region.

Source: Fiji’s Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport

Date: 26/08/2025

Kiwa EMPOWER brings hope to remote Islands in Solomon Islands

Posted on by Paradise

Two small island communities in Solomon Islands will benefit from the Kiwa Empower project officially launched yesterday. Nifili Island in Temotu Province and Sikaiana Island in Malaita Province are the two sites where the project will work with stakeholders to strengthen nature based solutions (NbS) aimed at inclusive and equitable climate change adaptation, food and water security and biodiversity conservation.

For an in-depth TV coverage, please click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5BR-Cnpzgk

Source: Solomon islands Broadcasting Corporation

Date: 25/06/2025

Kiwa Empower Project Officially Launched

Posted on by Paradise

The Kiwa Initiative launched its EMPOWER project with support from Australia and other donors in Solomon Islands on 24 June.

The Kiwa EMPOWER project will restore ecosystems and improve the health of waterways to increase climate resilience in two remote communities: Sikaiana in Malaita Province and Nifiloli in Temotu Province.

In Solomon Islands, the EMPOWER project will be implemented by Live and Learn Environmental Education, who will work directly with communities to incorporate indigenous knowledge and ensure solutions are locally-led. Congratulations to community leaders in Sikaiana and Nifiloli for your commitment to a more sustainable future.

During the Kiwa EMPOWER launch, Honourable Trevor Mahaga, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology said, “To the donor partners … we extend our deepest appreciation. Your support has not only provided funding but has reignited hope. Through your partnership, Solomon Islands can step towards community led climate adaptation, resilience building and biodiversity protection.”

HE Rod Hilton, High Commissioner to Solomon Islands said, “ Australia is proud to support this project. We are especially pleased that it will focus on two harder to reach communities, because remoteness can increase vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and disasters”.

“Nature-based solutions,” High Commissioner Hilton said,“like those implemented through the EMPOWER project, address the environmental and social challenges of climate change simultaneously.”

The Kiwa Initiative brings together five donors; France, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Australia has proudly contributed to Kiwa since 2020 – providing SBD32 million across the Pacific region. The Australian Government remains deeply committed to action on climate change, both at home and in our region. The Kiwa Initiative is an important demonstration of this commitment.

Source: Australia High Commission Press Release

Date: 02/07/2025

Villagers work on restoring grassland areas

Posted on by Paradise

The Yavusa Kavula Restoration Programme in Bua Province, is making remarkable progress in restoring grassland areas within the five Mataqali of Yavusa Kavula.

This initiative is being undertaken between the Ministry of Forestry and the environmental NGO Live and Learn Fiji.

As part of the programme, the Yavusa Kavula has already planted 2,836 native assorted seedlings.

In addition to restoring native vegetation, the initiative aims to plant 10,000 mandarin seedlings to boost local agriculture.

Recognizing the importance of this project, the Ministry has funded a temporary nursery to assist the community in raising their own seedlings for various planting operations, including mandarin cultivation.

Forestry Minister, Kalaveti Ravu, visited Kavula to officially open the temporary nursery this week.

The restoration programme was inspired by a site visit to Nayarabale Village in the District of Vaturova.

Source: FBC News

Date: 17/06/2024

Climate resilience with Vetiver grass planting

Posted on by Paradise

The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and Live and Learn Fiji are spearheading the Atoll Food Futures program.

It focuses on the strategic planting of Vetiver grass to counteract the adverse impacts of climate change on the environment.

The initiative primarily targets informal settlements including Kilikali, Mataniborosisi, Waikerekere and Bilo along the Suva corridor where communities deal with numerous challenges stemming from erratic weather patterns.

The Ministry’s land use section is at the forefront of efforts to address soil erosion and stabilization.

Utilizing Vetiver grass known for its ability to form dense narrow edges when planted closely, the approach has proven effective in controlling soil erosion and stabilizing watercourses.

Originally developed over 50 years ago for Fiji’s sugar industry, the use of Vetiver grass has become a standard practice for soil and water conservation, particularly in small-scale farming and residential compounds.

Vetiver grass finds widespread application across Fiji from reinforcing road embankments to stabilizing stream banks and contour hedges in farmland.

Farmers routinely employ Vetiver to fortify farm roads, regulate runoff water and shield vegetable crops from erosion.

Acknowledging climate change as an enduring natural occurrence, the collaboration highlights the necessity of nature-based solutions such as Vetiver grass to combat its effects.

Source: FBC News

Training for sustainable agriculture and food security

Posted on by Paradise

Government officials and participants from Australia and neighboring Pacific countries have gathered in Fiji for a week-long training program aimed at addressing food security, ending hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The event, organized by non-government organization Live and Learn Pacific Network, has brought together representatives to discuss challenges, share successful strategies, and work towards a zero-hunger Pacific.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna highlighted during the training the role of agriculture in the Pacific economies, acknowledging its contribution to Fiji’s GDP and the livelihoods of 80 percent of its population.

Tunabuna underscored the pressing issues facing the Pacific islands, such as natural disasters, climate change, and the loss of traditional knowledge, leading to food loss and waste.

He cited statistics showing that the Asia and Pacific region faces significant challenges, with food losses ranging from 20 to 21 percent.

The address emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to combating food loss and waste, recognizing its impact on food security, nutrition, and the environment.

Tunabuna praised the efforts of Live and Learn Pacific Network in providing a platform for Pacific Island nations to work together to find sustainable solutions.

He also stressed the importance of good governance and shared various policies developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways to support various programs, including the Gender in Agriculture Policy, Youth in Agriculture Policy, and Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

Source: FBC News

Date: 17/01/2024

Tunabuna calls for collaborative effort to enhance food security

Posted on by Paradise

The ever-increasing frequency and strength of natural disasters, the impacts of climate change, and inefficient agricultural production are among many other challenges that have exacerbated the struggles faced by vulnerable communities in accessing basic nutrition.

This has been highlighted by Assistant Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna while speaking during the Pacific Food Week workshop.

Tunabuna says food loss and waste remain challenges in the design of sustainable food systems.

He adds that the Pacific Food Week workshop will enable participants to improve their technical understanding of key food systems concepts that underpin various approaches to food security and development.

The workshop is organized by the Live and Learn Fiji Environmental Education—Resilient Food Systems and the Climate Resilient Islands Program and is attended by participants from Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji.

Source: FBC News

Date: 17/01/2024

Gardening & Food preservation

Posted on by Paradise

Residents of Kilikali Settlement plant seedlings during a workshop as part of the project by Live & Learn on Wednesday.

IVE & Learn Fiji is a non-government organisation that has a strong history of implementing water, sanitation and hygiene projects in our communities. But they have gone a step further to help two settlements in Fiji grow their own food even though they do not own land.

Humbled to be part of the World Food Day and National Agriculture Show at the Vodafone Arena last week, the organisation works in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Fiji by supporting informal settlements in the country.

Demonstrating the purpose and the use of the raised garden bed at the Agriculture show, Live & Learn food security and livelihood coordinator Ponijese Korovulavula said with the support they receive from the Australian Government, they were able to pilot this project into informal settlements as most people living in these communities do not have land ownerships.

Mr Korovulavula said the project is called Atoll Food Futures program and its main concept is to help people living in informal settlements plant, store, grow and keep their plants. It is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and implemented by Live & Learn.

The project works with community members across three countries (Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu) to improve the production of fresh, locally grown produce. It is designed to empower people to grow fresh healthy produce at home, through skill building, agriculture training and also by sharing indigenous knowledge surrounding home gardening and food preservation.

“We have encouraged communities to plant shallow rooted crops as it doesn’t consume a lot of water and nutrients.

This food cubes doesn’t come in land or farm sizes but people can use it as a source of food security.”

Mr Korovulavula said they are impressed by what most communities have done so far.

“Most people in the communities we’ve introduced the project to have developed an advanced way by planting seeds in the food cubes and later transferring it into other containers,” he said.

According to Mr Korovulavula, informal settlements are the ones that suffered the most from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and this project is something Live & Learn has brought about to help reduce this issue.

“We thank the Australian Government for funding and giving us the opportunity to reach out to these informal settlements, even though they have no land ownership, this concept is a way to help them in the future.”

Mr Korovulavula added for their food cubes concept they’ve supported settlements like Kilikali in Nadawa and Waikerekere outside Lami Town. Live & Learn is committed to work with vulnerable communities to improve food and nutrition security.

Source: Fiji Sun

Date: 03/11/2023

Cabinet approves team

Posted on by Paradise

Cabinet has approved the formation of a National Emergency Response Team. National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) director Vasiti Soko confirmed this while delivering her closing remarks at a five-day emergency operation centre training at the Fiji Teachers Union Hall on Friday.

“This is nothing new in the disaster space globally,” she said. “Solomon Islands is the first country in the Pacific to form a National Emergency Response Team. It’s also looking at ensuring that when you are deployed, you are deployed understanding humanitarian principles. You understand the different classes that exist within you, understand the logistic plan, how to prepare well for response. All of these small things, we take for granted but they really do save lives.”

She said decision makers relied heavily on the information that came from the Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) during disasters. “Everything is so important because as decision makers, we rely on the information that comes from you.

“So how you operate in emergency operation centers, how you work as a team, how you ensure that information is correct and verified, that comes from the district, to the divisional, to national.

“Those processes are very important to be followed because any delays between may cost a life,” she said.

The training program was organised by Live and Learn Fiji, a recipient of Australian Government funding through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s Disaster Ready 2.0 program.

It was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development and Maritime and National Disaster Management, as well as other government ministries.

Source: Fiji Times

Date: 07/05/2023