Launch of the Lau Seascape Impact Facility Fund –Driving Inclusive Finance for Climate Resilience and Community Enterprises

The Lau Seascape Initiative today celebrated the official launch of the Lau Seascape Impact Facility Fund, a groundbreaking financing mechanism designed to empower Lau’s communities, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience.
The event was even more special as it was launched at the annual Matabose ni Yasana o Lau in the presence of the Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau and the Masi ni Vanua, the chiefs from the 13 districts of Lau, with representatives from various groups across the province.
In his remarks, the Paramount Chief acknowledged and thanked Conservation International Fiji for its extensive work and long-standing commitment to the people of Lau. He also expressed gratitude to the Fiji Development Bank their partnership and supporting efforts to promote sustainable businesses and economic opportunities throughout the province
This facility builds on the foundation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Conservation International (CI) and the Fiji Development Bank (FDB), moving from design into implementation. It will provide inclusive financial pathways for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and eco‑tourism ventures in Lau Province — enabling them to scale sustainably while safeguarding the natural systems that sustain their livelihoods.
The rollout of the facility has already begun in Yasayasa Moala, where FDB joined Conservation International on a recent visit to conduct Financial Literacy Training, register interested SMEs, and assist potential clients in developing loan proposals under the concessionary climate finance package.
Looking ahead, the FDB team is expected to visit Matuku and Totoya in September, before expanding services to the Lakeba cluster, followed by Vanua Balavu, Cicia, and neighbouring islands, ensuring the benefits of the facility reaching communities across the Lau Group.
In addition to financial access, the facility is designed to catalyze tangible resilience in Lau’s villages. By equipping community entrepreneurs with training, stewardship awareness, and tailored financing.
These investments strengthen local enterprises while reinforcing traditional knowledge systems, ensuring that conservation is not a just concept on paper but lived experience. The result is a progressive cycle where livelihoods are protected, ecosystems are restored, and community leadership is empowered — this clearly demonstrates how inclusive finance can translate into real community resilience against emerging challenges.
Quotes from Partnerships.

Sepeti Tagilala, Director Sustainable Finance, Conservation International Fiji:
“For CI, this Fund represents the next phase of our commitment to community‑driven conservation. It allows us to translate our technical expertise into tangible benefits for Lau’s people — supporting enterprises, strengthening stewardship, and ensuring that conservation is inseparable from sustainable community resilience.”
Emele Duituturaga, Board Director, Fiji Development Bank:
“Conservation is good business. Therefore, the FDB Lau Seascape Stewardship Impact Facility Fund, recognises that conservation and economic development must go hand in hand. By supporting sustainable enterprises such as fisheries, eco-tourism, marine-based businesses and other blue economy opportunities, we can help our Province prosper while safeguarding the natural resources upon which much of our livelihood is dependent on. This initiative also aligns with Fiji’s National Development Plan, the Blue Economy Framework, Conservation International’s mandate and the Fiji Development Bank’s Strategic Plan, reflecting our shared commitment to building resilient communities through sustainable investment.”
About the Lau Seascape Impact Facility Fund
The Fund is designed to:

• Support biodiversity protection, climate‑smart livelihoods, and ecosystem restoration.
• Strengthen resilient community entrepreneurs through tailored training and capacity building.
• Align financial portfolios with Fiji’s national and regional conservation goals, including commitments under the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Leverage CI’s global expertise in conservation finance and marine science to enhance FDB’s lending portfolio and impact measurement.Suva, Fiji.

About Conservation International

Conservation International is a non-government organization that works to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides for humanity. The non-profit has worked in the Pacific Islands region for more than 20 years.

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.

Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.