New Caledonia: communities in Ouvéa take action against coastal erosion

In Ouvéa, in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia, local communities are actively addressing coastal erosion through nature-based, community-driven solutions.

As part of the PEBACC+ project (Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change), eight low-cost coastal plant nurseries are being established to produce native species such as Scaevola taccada and Sporobolus virginicus. These plants play a key role in stabilising sandy soils and strengthening shorelines against storms and rising sea levels.

More than 200 community members, including women and youth, have already participated in training sessions to learn how to establish and manage these nurseries. Once mature, the seedlings will be planted along vulnerable coastal areas to restore natural vegetation and enhance coastal protection.

By combining traditional knowledge with Nature-based Solutions, the initiative empowers communities to take ownership of climate adaptation efforts while strengthening the resilience of their coastal ecosystems.