A three-day National Symposium focused on Community-Led Initiatives for Environmental Sustainability took place at the Albert Park conference room in Suva this week. Attendees exchanged success stories, built a network of community practitioners to foster collaboration and support, and amplified community voices for influencing decision-making at both local and international levels. The symposium included discussions on food security, clean energy, and sustainable urban solutions, tackling various challenges faced by communities.
One of the participants, Inoke Koroduadua, a schoolteacher at Mali District School for a decade, spoke about the UNDP’s small grants project concerning solar water pipes in the village of Mali. He highlighted the pressing issue of clean water scarcity, stating, “The only main water supply in our school is rainwater. We rely on water tanks during the rainy season, but during dry months, there’s hardly any water available.” Koroduadua explained that the village lacks electricity, leading them to use solar power. Thanks to assistance from WWF Labasa and the provincial office, the solar water pump project was implemented, significantly aiding during dry periods.
Irene Lata from the NGO Building Innate Resilience Through Hearts (BIRTH) Fiji shared her observations from a visit to Vaivai Village in Lautoka, where community awareness of mental health and domestic violence is raised. She discovered that the villagers lack access to clean water, as they depend on the Water Authority of Fiji for monthly refills, often saving it only for cooking. “If it rains or the road is in poor condition, the water truck doesn’t come,” Lata said. Following discussions with the village’s advisory council, she noted the community’s frustration with unfulfilled promises of aid. Despite initial resistance, they gained the villagers’ trust and proposed a borehole project to address their water needs, acknowledging the significant challenges faced by women and children in the area.
Teri Kano, a representative from Rabi Island, discussed how the Banabans had successfully utilized funds from UNDP, receiving a grant of $40,000 to address local economic issues. These funds have supported initiatives such as the Banabans Virgin Coconut Oils project, reforestation efforts, and community clean-up campaigns. Kano emphasized the importance of empowering both men and women in these activities, encouraging greater female participation in organic farming to boost income and enhance community livelihoods.
The symposium served as a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge, drawing attention to the struggles faced by rural communities and fostering collaboration for future initiatives.