Moroni, Comoros — 11 December 2025 – The Government of the Union of the Comoros today launched a major new climate resilience initiative, supported by a $10 million grant from the United States via the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $44 million in co-financing from partners including the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD). The investment aims to protect 140,000 residents in coastal areas through the restoration, protection, and sustainable management of 6,200 hectares of mangroves, beaches, and upper watersheds, which serve as the archipelago’s natural defense system.
This five-year project is implemented by the General Directorate of Environment and Forests (DGEF) of the Comoros, in close collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The initiative’s approach—known as ecosystem-based adaptation—leverages nature to reduce climate risks while enhancing food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity.
As a small island developing state in the Indian Ocean, the Union of the Comoros is already experiencing rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and accelerated sea-level rise. With two-thirds of its population living within two kilometers of the coast, climate-induced flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion threaten housing, agriculture, and economic development.
During the project launch ceremony, H.E. Abubakar Ben Mahmoud, Minister of Environment of the Comoros, stated:
« This project fully aligns with the ambitious vision of the Comoros Emergent Plan 2030, which places environmental sustainability and climate action at the heart of our national development. Together, with our partners and communities, we have a unique opportunity to build lasting resilience. »
Community-Driven Implementation
To foster an enabling environment for ecosystem-based adaptation, eight communal development plans will be updated through inclusive and gender-transformative processes. Simultaneously, 10,000 community members will be trained in integrated coastal zone management and climate-resilient planning, supported by a new participatory monitoring system ensuring community involvement and accountability.
Communities will take a leading role in restoring and managing critical ecosystems, engaging in rehabilitation of mangroves and beaches (6,200 hectares). These efforts will be complemented by watershed conservation measures aimed at stabilizing soils and improving freshwater availability, thereby enhancing the islands’ natural resilience to climate impacts.
« Africa remains on the frontline of climate change: prolonged droughts, extreme floods, coastal erosion, water insecurity, and biodiversity loss, » said Fatou Ndoye, Deputy Director of UNEP’s Regional Office for Africa.
« This project is not merely technical—it is transformational. It places nature at the center of climate action, and communities at the heart of the solutions. »
Supporting a Climate-Resilient Blue Economy
A dedicated acceleration platform will support 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises in key sectors such as fisheries, agroforestry, and ecotourism. These enterprises will receive tailored micro-financing tools designed to stimulate climate innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
Continuous knowledge management and learning will be integrated throughout the project. South-South exchanges, inclusive policy dialogues, and gender-responsive outreach will help capture lessons and innovations, disseminating them locally, nationally in the Comoros, and across the Western Indian Ocean region.
UNEP currently supports more than 45 ecosystem-based adaptation projects, which together aim to restore approximately 271,000 hectares of ecosystems while benefiting 4.6 million people worldwide. Ecosystem-based adaptation can also contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing emissions linked to habitat loss and ecosystem degradation.
About UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global voice on the environment. UNEP acts as a catalyst and enabler for environmental protection, inspiring, informing, and empowering nations and people to improve quality of life without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
