Over the course of several days, IUCN had the opportunity to demonstrate the tangible progress made through the Kiwa Initiative's Component A Grant Facility, despite a turbulent six months filled with operational challenges, delays, and external obstacles. The visit was a powerful moment of validation, not just of results achieved, but of the enduring commitment and resilience of IUCN and its partners on the ground.
The mission wasn’t just about reporting back - it was about showing impact. From site visits to meaningful engagements with local communities, including students and tribal leaders, the message was clear: adaptation is possible when we work together.
The visit to the PERENNE project site, a key nature-based restoration initiative led by WWF New Caledonia was a highlight. It showcased how schools, farmers, and traditional landowners are collaborating to protect riparian forests along the Néra River, building climate resilience in one of New Caledonia’s most vulnerable regions. As students from Collège Sacré Coeur proudly shared their conservation efforts, it reminded all present of the intergenerational power of local engagement.
Throughout the donor meetings, steering committee discussions, and field visits, one message consistently emerged: partnerships are essential. From Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to local grantees and community leaders, every actor plays a vital role in making progress real. The open dialogues in Nouméa reaffirmed shared commitment, strengthened coordination, and refocused collective energy toward community-driven, nature-based solutions.
