Taci Village Takes a Stand Against Climate Change Challenges

Residents of Taci Village in Rewa are rising to the challenges posed by climate change, with significant impacts being felt throughout the community. Located in the vulnerable Rewa Delta, Taci frequently experiences flooding, exacerbated by its close proximity to small streams that flow into the Rewa River. This makes the village particularly susceptible to climate-related effects.

Turaga ni Koro Varani Lutu emphasized the challenges facing the villagers, stating, “Our village is feeling the effects of climate change; the shoreline erosion and degradation of our reefs have led to a decline in fish populations, making it difficult to access food sources like we used to.” The threats to local fisheries highlight a broader issue that resonates with other coastal communities in Fiji, such as Yalobi and Mavana, where climate change is similarly impacting livelihoods and access to education.

The situation in Taci reflects the struggles seen in Yalobi Village, where adverse weather conditions have endangered children’s access to education. In Mavana, flooding has impeded students’ travels to school, resulting in delays and lost educational opportunities—similar challenges that Taci faces due to frequent inundation limiting transportation options.

Lutu noted that the flooding also affects transportation in Taci, with only minibuses operating in the area due to frequently submerged roads. This isolation extends beyond just transportation; it significantly impacts the villagers’ ability to reach markets and essential services, echoing the struggles faced by those in Mavana and other affected communities.

Despite these pressing challenges, the villagers in Taci are actively developing plans to address the effects of climate change. Their resilience, along with calls for increased climate financing—highlighted in international dialogues such as COP29—brings a glimmer of hope for potential solutions and increased support for vulnerable communities.

The experience of Taci and its proactive approach reinforces the notion that while the impacts of climate change are serious, community advocacy and collaboration can lead to actionable strategies to protect their future.