The recent Indigenous Youth National Forum held in Suva highlighted the iTaukei people’s resilience in addressing climate change challenges. Ifereimi Naqumu, Manager Resources for the iTaukei Affairs Board, emphasized that the iTaukei community is more than just victims of climate change; they are active agents of change, capable of innovative solutions and adaptation strategies.
During the event, supported by the Sustainable Health, Agriculture, Protection and Empowerment (SHAPE) Climate Action for Resilience (CAR) Project funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, young leaders from across Fiji gathered to discuss pressing climate issues and their impacts on indigenous communities. The forum served not only as a platform for sharing knowledge but also as a space for intergenerational dialogue, with elders imparting cultural wisdom and younger participants proposing new ideas.
Participants examined the tangible effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and food insecurity, affecting their livelihoods and traditions. One poignant reflection came from Talei Silibaravi, president of the Nadogo District Youth Council, who underscored the importance of cultural identity in leading climate action, asserting that understanding one’s heritage fortifies advocacy efforts.
The forum culminated in the Fiji Indigenous Youth Climate Declaration—a youth-led document that aims to shape national climate policies and reflect the collective aspirations of the younger generation. This declaration signifies a call to action and represents a commitment to reclaiming space as knowledge holders and protectors of their cultural heritage and natural resources.
Through collaboration and acknowledgment of traditional practices, there lies hope for a resilient future. As communities unite in their efforts to tackle climate change, they reinforce the belief that indigenous knowledge can significantly contribute to innovative resilience strategies and sustainable environmental practices.
In essence, the forum and the resulting declaration demonstrate a positive commitment to empowering young indigenous voices, ensuring their influential role in climate decision-making for generations to come.
Leave a comment