LocationsNiue advances new UNDP–Conservation International Initiative to strengthen Climate Resilience, Biodiversity Protection and Blue Finance
June 11, 2026
A fisherman heads out to sea in Niue.
The Government of Niue, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Conservation International (CI), is advancing a new integrated initiative to strengthen climate resilience among communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and secure long-term financing for ocean conservation.
With US$9 million in funding support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Niue Infrastructure, Ecosystems and Communities Integrated Project (Niue IECI) responds to Niue’s growing exposure to climate change, including stronger cyclones, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, water insecurity, and increasing pressure on ecosystems and essential services. These risks are compounded by Niue’s geographic isolation, dependence on imported fossil fuels, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, tourism assets, coastal communities and biodiversity.
The funds for Niue’s infrastructure development consist of US$3 million from the GEF Trust Fund and US$3 million from the GEF-managed Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), both implemented by UNDP, together with US$3 million delivered through CI, alongside complementary public and private co-financing, over a five-year implementation period.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Government and people of Niue in advancing sustainable solutions that are locally led, integrated and built for long-term impact,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative for the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, based in Apia, Samoa. “The Niue IECI project will help translate national priorities into practical, locally led action by strengthening institutions, supporting communities and connecting resilience efforts across sectors to deliver results with lasting impact.”
A key feature of the initiative is its contribution to the long-term financial sustainability of the Niue Nukutuluea Multiple-Use Marine Park and Niue Moana Mahu. Through capitalization and institutional strengthening of the Niue and Ocean Wide (NOW) Trust, the project will help ensure predictable financing for marine conservation, improved protected area management, ecosystem restoration, and the protection of Niue’s globally significant ocean and biodiversity resources.
“By combining sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and inclusive financing, this new initiative in Niue is creating a model for how island nations can strengthen resilience while safeguarding their natural systems that sustain local communities and the economy,” said Orissa Samaroo, Vice President of the GEF Agency at Conservation International. “What makes this project so critical right now is that it recognizes these challenges are interconnected and must be addressed together to help protect Niue’s vibrant marine and coastal biodiversity.”
The Niue IECI project also recognizes the central role of communities, village councils, women, civil society, tourism operators and the private sector in building resilience. It will support local stewardship, strengthen operation and maintenance capacity for resilient infrastructure, and promote inclusive learning, monitoring and knowledge systems to sustain results beyond the project lifetime.
Claude Gascon, GEF Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson, said: “Through an integrated approach and focus on the key roles communities play in supporting long-term resilience, this initiative will strengthen environmental governance, support resilient and low-carbon infrastructure, and restore coastal terraces and ecosystems in Niue.”
The project is also expected to enhance sustainable financing for marine protected areas through the NOW Trust. This initiative is closely aligned with Niue’s National Strategic Development Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution, Niue Energy Road Map, National Climate Change Policy, and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. It also contributes to global biodiversity and climate goals by linking large-scale marine conservation, ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and sustainable finance.
As the project moves into its preparation phase, UNDP, CI and the Government of Niue will work closely with national stakeholders, communities and partners to refine the design, undertake technical assessments, strengthen safeguards and gender-responsive approaches, and mobilize the partnerships needed to deliver lasting impact.
UNDP and Conservation International reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Government and people of Niue in advancing integrated, inclusive and locally led solutions that strengthen resilience, protect biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future for all.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations build integrated, sustainable solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow @UNDP.
About Conservation International
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.
About the Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s largest multilateral fund for the environment. Its family of funds work together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $27 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $155 billion for country-driven priority projects.
Media Contacts:
UNDP Multi-Country Office, Samoa
Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst
Email: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org
Conservation International
Jessica Brown, Managing Director, Media Relations
jbrown@conservation.org
Global Environment Facility:
Alexandre Pinheiro Rego, Senior Communications Officer.
Email: arego@thegef.org
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