Residents of Vatulele Island are facing alarming changes due to climate change, as their coastline progressively retreats under rising sea levels. Local villager Paula Katamaiwai reported that land once considered dry is now submerged, while three other nearby villages are experiencing similar circumstances.

“We noticed that the coastline has extended further inland, chipping away at life on land,” Katamaiwai observed. He expressed deep concern for the future, noting that while their livelihoods have not been impacted significantly yet and there is no salination in their farms, the threat looms large. “More than ten years ago, the land used to be where the water is now. We are worried that in another 10 years, another few metres of land will be underwater.”

In a bid to combat this urgent issue, Katamaiwai showed visible signs of local efforts, including an incomplete seawall near the community hall in Ekubu. This seawall, which was initiated decades ago, stands as a reminder of the past land boundaries, illustrating just how much progress towards a solution remains. In response to the encroaching waters, locals have taken it upon themselves to build sandbags as an alternative measure to protect their land from rising sea levels.

Katamaiwai expressed the community’s commitment to enveloping the entire district with these sandbags, indicative of the collective effort known as the solesolevaki concept, which emphasizes community cooperation. However, Katamaiwai acknowledged that despite these efforts, their capacity to safeguard the coastline is limited.

Visible signs of climate change impact are already evident, with local coconut trees showing severe damage from saltwater. An old deck surrounding a once-thriving tree has succumbed to the environment, now a shell for crabs and marine life—an emblematic representation of lost land.

The residents are hopeful that the government’s initiative to complete the seawall construction will be reconsidered. Historical natural disasters, such as Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2019, serve as additional reminders of their vulnerability. Katamaiwai candidly noted that although they managed to avoid disaster that day due to low tides, the memory of what could have been brings an unsettling sense of urgency to their plight.

Their plea for assistance has echoed for over 15 years. “We are hopeful that one day our pleas won’t be in vain,” stated Katamaiwai, highlighting the critical need for support as they grapple with the realities of climate change.

Overall, this situation reflects a growing awareness and resilience among Pacific Island communities facing climate change. It showcases the urgent need for greater governmental action and community support to protect vulnerable populations and preserve their homes for future generations. The unity and proactive steps taken by the villagers embody a spirit of hope amidst this challenging landscape, as they strive to safeguard their future against the relentless advance of rising tides.