The Government of the Union of Comoros has launched a five-year, $54 million climate resilience initiative to protect 140,000 coastal residents through large-scale ecosystem restoration.
The project is backed by a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $44 million in co-financing from partners including the World Bank and the French Development Agency. It is being implemented by the national Directorate of Environment and Forests in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The initiative will restore and sustainably manage 6,200 hectares of mangroves, beaches and upper watersheds that serve as the islands’ natural defence system. As a Small Island Developing State where two-thirds of the population lives within two kilometres of the coast, Comoros faces increasing risks from sea-level rise, flooding, erosion and salt-water intrusion.
Using an ecosystem-based adaptation approach, the project will update eight municipal development plans, train 10,000 community members in climate-resilient planning, and introduce participatory monitoring systems. Communities will lead mangrove and beach rehabilitation efforts, supported by watershed conservation to improve soil stability and freshwater availability.
The programme will also strengthen a climate-resilient Blue Economy by supporting 300 micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises in sectors such as fisheries, agroforestry and eco-tourism through targeted financing and innovation support.
By placing nature and communities at the centre of climate action, the initiative aims to build long-term resilience while protecting biodiversity, livelihoods and food security.
