Alofi, NIUE – Communities and civil society organizations across Niue have received new funding and technical support through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), helping strengthen local environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

At a grant award ceremony and inception workshop held on October 14th, 2026, in partnership with the Government of Niue, successful applicants under GEF-SGP Operational Phase 8 were awarded Low Value Grants to implement community-driven environmental initiatives. This was held to coincide with nation-wide celebrations of Niue’s Constitution Day this month.

Over the past 25 years, the programme has invested more than US$883,000 in 33 community-based projects across Niue, supporting activities ranging from climate awareness and advocacy to capacity building, technology transfer, climate adaptation, and mitigation efforts. An additional US$694,867 is available under Operational Phase 8 to support new local initiatives.

"One of the most valuable aspects of the SGP is that it begins with our people. It recognises that our communities possess the knowledge, experience and ideas that can make a real and lasting difference. When these local strengths are supported and nurtured, they can become powerful drivers of positive change," said Hon. Rhonda Tiakia, Minister of Environment, Niue.

The grants are designed to place resources directly in the hands of communities, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods and are often on the frontline of climate and environmental challenges.