A three-day National Symposium focused on Community-Led Initiatives for Environmental Sustainability took place in Suva this week. Participants shared their success stories, forged a network of community practitioners for collaboration and support, and amplified local voices to influence decision-making on both local and international stages. The event included sessions focused on food security, clean energy, and sustainable urban solutions, addressing the challenges faced by various communities.
Inoke Koroduadua, a schoolteacher from Mali District School, highlighted the issue of clean water during discussions on the UNDP’s small grants project involving solar water pipes. He emphasized the lack of clean water as a significant challenge, stating that their only water supply is rainwater collected in tanks for the dry season. The community cannot rely on electricity, so they have turned to solar energy. Mr. Koroduadua noted the success of a solar water pump project that helps provide water during dry months, made possible with the assistance of WWF Labasa and the provincial office.
Irene Lata from the NGO Building Innate Resilience Through Hearts (BIRTH) Fiji recounted her visit to Vaivai Village in Lautoka, where she discovered the community’s struggle with access to clean water. She explained that villagers must request water from the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), which only delivers once a month. This constraint compels villagers to conserve this limited supply for cooking and to rely on the river for bathing. Ms. Lata expressed the local community’s frustrations and their past experiences with unfulfilled promises of assistance. Nevertheless, they are determined to establish a borehole project to address the water scarcity issue after gaining the community’s trust.
Teri Kano, representing Rabi Island, shared insights on how the Banaban community effectively utilized funds from the UNDP. Rabi recently received a grant of $40,000 to address economic challenges through initiatives such as producing Banaban Virgin Coconut Oils, reforestation, and community clean-up campaigns. Mr. Kano highlighted that the funds would support various development programs, including awareness initiatives and solar energy projects, aimed at revitalizing coconut production. He advocated for increased participation of women in these activities, noting the potential for shared responsibilities between men and women in enhancing productivity and income generation within the community.