The women of Yavusania Village in Nadi are at the forefront of combating climate change, actively participating in initiatives led by the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT Ba). In response to ongoing riverbank erosion issues, these women are constructing protective structures to address the crisis.
Leilani Tora, the coordinator for SSViT Ba, announced that efforts have begun with the placement of boulders along the riverbank to combat erosion effectively. “We’ve commenced land reclamation to build a proper defensive wall to safeguard the village,” Tora stated. She noted that last year, the village lost over six meters of soil to the Nadi River, resulting in the loss of two homes and the jeopardization of several others. Without intervention, the community could face further dislocation.
The project incorporates sustainable measures for riverbank stabilization. Consultations have been held among SSViT Ba, local communities, and various ministries, including waterways, infrastructure, forestry, and lands. Technical assessments conducted earlier this year led to the identification of urgent protective measures, with physical work commencing in April.
Tora emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in the decision-making and implementation phases of the project, highlighting the disproportionate effects of climate change on women.
The SSViT Ba’s River Erosion Adaptability Project showcases women’s leadership in fostering climate resilience. The women of Yavusania are engaged in establishing nurseries for reforestation, focusing on native fruit and forest trees. They have participated in training sessions to gain the necessary skills to nurture these nurseries and contribute to reforestation efforts actively.
Once the riverbanks are stabilized, women will take the lead in replanting, ensuring the project’s sustainability over time.
Tora further noted that a significant aspect of the project is the collaboration with government ministries and traditional bodies. “This integrated approach merges technical know-how with local wisdom, facilitating a more sustainable and culturally appropriate solution to Yavusania’s erosion issues,” she explained.
SSViT Ba has partnered with the Ministry of Forestry to support women in establishing nurseries, with plans to sell plants to the ministry at a price of $3 per plant. This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters economic empowerment within the community.