November 12, 2025

Conservation International and Fiji Development Bank Establish Lau Seascape Stewardship Impact Facility

Partnership to deliver inclusive finance for environmental protection, climate resilience, and support for community enterprises in Lau

Suva, Fiji – [November 12, 2025] - Conservation International and the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the initial phase in the design of the Lau Seascape Stewardship Impact Facility, an innovative pathway to increase access to finance for Fiji's coastal communities in Lau, the guardians of one of the Pacific's most biodiverse marine regions.

The facility will support the scaling of Micro, Small to Medium Size Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Lau Province -- including cooperatives, and eco-tourism ventures – into Fiji’s mainstream formal business sector. At present, approximately 90% of Lau’s MSMEs are informal or unregistered, making it impossible to access finance to scale their operations. This facility aims to unlock access to funds and therefore increase sustainable local livelihoods that have sustained our Lau communities for generations.

The MoU marks a significant step forward in fostering inclusive and sustainable financial solutions that support a balanced approach to natural resource protection and ecosystem restoration, while ensuring community-based economic aspirations for our Lau communities are fulfilled.

Through this partnership, Conservation International and the Fiji Development Bank will facilitate access to finance for community enterprises and island cooperatives engaged in sustainable use of marine and coastal resource-based initiatives.

The facility designed under this project will aim to:

  • Support biodiversity protection, climate-smart livelihoods, and ecosystem restoration.
  • Strengthen and build resilient community entrepreneurs through tailored training and capacity building initiatives to balance protection and sustainable production of natural resources.
  • Align financial portfolios with national and regional conservation goals, including commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • Leverage Conservation International’s global expertise in conservation finance, marine science, and strategic partnerships to enhance FDB’s lending portfolio, practices and impact measurement.

“Today’s event marks a significant milestone for Lau and reflects our shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” saidMr.Meli Saubulinayau,Chairman of the Lau Provincial Council . “We recognize Conservation International’s technical expertise with FDB’s financial leadership, and this facility will greatly contribute to the sustainable economic growth in Lau” he added.

“The Lau Islands represent one of Fiji’s last great frontiers for conservation — a remote chain of 60 islands with deep harbors, towering limestone cliffs, unique marine life and home to around 5,600 Indigenous people,” said Ms. Susana Waqainabete-Tuisese, Vice President of Conservation International Pacific. “ This facility marks a key step forward in delivering the Lau Seascape Strategy, which unites government, communities, and partners to manage resources from ridge to reef to ocean. By strengthening local capacity and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, we’re ensuring that the people of Lau can thrive alongside the extraordinary natural heritage that defines their islands.”

FDB Chief Executive Officer Mr. Filimoni Waqabaca added

The initial activities under this partnership are generously supported through catalytic investments from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO) under the Sustainable Blue Pacific Initiative, and Temasek Trust’s Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA).

The MoU will remain in effect until December 31, 2028, and serves as a framework for future agreements and collaborative opportunities.

ENDS

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Notes to the editor

The Lau Seascape Initiative

  • The Lau Seascape is a unique marine ecosystem in Fiji, consisting of a vast network of islands, reefs, and open ocean. Lau is at a unique moment because it is sparsely developed, and the marine realm is in excellent health.
  • The people of Lau rely on a healthy environment for their food, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
  • However, like many other ocean resources and coastal communities, Lau is increasingly threatened by climate change impacts, such as sea level rise, global ocean warming and ocean acidification, which further threaten traditional ways of life in Fiji.
  • Conservation International's Lau Seascape Initiative aims to protect the marine biodiversity of the Lau group of islands in Fiji, which is home to many rare and endangered species, including several species of sharks, sea turtles, and reef fish
  • The Lau Seascape has a strong support from Indigenous Fijians in Lau.

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. Visit Conservation.org for more, and follow us on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.