The residents of Rotuma are facing heightened risks due to climate change, which poses a direct threat to their livelihoods and the island’s undeveloped natural resources. Gagaj Manav Kauata Pat Samuela brought this crucial issue to light during the recent Great Council of Chiefs meeting held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva over a two-day period.
Gagaj Manav emphasized that despite the island’s wealth of natural resources, it is increasingly susceptible to rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns. “While we are fortunate to have untapped resources and a rich cultural heritage, the sustainability of our island is under threat,” he stated. He added that climate change presents significant challenges to agriculture, fishing, and overall community resilience.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he called for a collective response from the council, government, and community to tackle these issues with innovative and sustainable development strategies. “We, the chiefs of Rotuma and our people, are dedicated to collaborating with the Great Council of Chiefs, the government, and our communities to combat these challenges that jeopardize our identity and the well-being of our people now and in the future,” he affirmed.
In summary, the people of Rotuma are under pressure from climate change, which threatens their way of life and natural heritage. However, there is a strong commitment among community leaders to address these challenges collaboratively, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices moving forward. This collective resolve offers hope for a future where Rotuma can adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, preserving its culture and resources for generations to come.
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