In the Soasoa drainage area levees protect the reclaimed area and a series of floodgates discharge water during low tide. The infrastructure was designed in the 1970s and there is now a need to strengthen this infrastructure to address changes in the climate such as rising sea levels, changing rainfall patterns and extreme rainfall events and associated runoff. This adaptation measure supports the Fijian Government’s efforts to enhance the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change, articulated in the 5 and 20-Year National Development Plan, the National Climate Change Policy and the National Adaptation Plan.

Focusing on the people and communities living in the Soasoa watershed area, the project will adopt a participatory and inclusive approach that addresses the vulnerabilities and the rights of all residents. Skills in climate resilience will be enhanced, particularly for provincial and district government officers and community leaders. The project will focus on constructing prioritized flood control measures such as flood gates and raising the levees, upgrading of existing spillways and widening of channels along the Soasoa drainage area. Management of the Soasoa watershed to complement hard flood control infrastructure will be a key component of the project. A 30-year (2020 – 2050) watershed management plan for the Soasoa watershed will be developed, in consultation with communities and stakeholders, and will be supported by an action plan.