The Blue-Green Atolls Project by the Republic of Marshall Islands begins its preparation phase after securing approval from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund. Initial stages include technical assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the mobilization of complementary public and private finance. With the United Nations Development Programme as the implementing agency, the project receives USD 38.5 million from co-financing and USD 8.537 million from the GEF Project Grant.

As one of the world’s atoll nations, the country faces profound existential threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, accelerating coastal erosion, and increasing freshwater scarcity. Rather than succumbing to these vulnerabilities, the Marshall Islands seeks to leverage its unique ecological characteristics as a frontline defense against climate change. In this context, the Blue-Green Atolls Project aims to pioneer nature-based solutions in safeguarding water security, restoring critical ecosystems, and strengthening climate resilience across the nation’s atolls. 

The project focuses on salinity barriers and groundwater recharge swales to reduce saltwater intrusion and improve groundwater recharge in response to freshwater scarcity. The initiative intends to restore saline-tolerant bushes, rehabilitate groundwater-protecting soils, and improve water infrastructure to reduce climate vulnerability whilst increasing biodiversity.

The overall objective of the Blue-Green Atolls Project aligns with and complements government efforts to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and community resilience in the nation’s atolls, particularly where livelihoods are heavily dependent on agriculture and fisheries.

At the core of this initiative is multistakeholder engagement, where participation from local communities, traditional leaders, women’s groups, schools, churches, and local governments is valued. Part of increasing their awareness includes knowledge dissemination and technological transfer, ensuring cultural representation and long-term stewardship. 

The Blue-Green Atolls Project positions the Marshall Islands as among the leaders of regional climate adaptation innovations. This exemplifies how small island developing states and developing nations have the capacity to harness local knowledge, even as much of the world struggles to act with similar urgency and effectiveness.