Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) are actively working to address the impact of climate change in their region. The women, whose lands and coastal areas have been adversely affected, are reaching out for support from government and non-government organizations to help combat climate change.
Recently, SSViT Ba members, along with officials from the Ministry of Forestry, planted lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village as an initiative to combat soil erosion. This project received funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF).
During a workshop held at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel last Tuesday, female representatives from Naviti Island in Yasawa voiced concerns about the degradation of their coastal regions due to climate change. Nacula District representative Adi Ateca Vukili highlighted that their previously pristine white sandy beaches are gradually disappearing.
“Before, there were white sandy beaches, now we have more limestones. This is one of the changes we have noticed. Rapid coastal erosion is occurring, and there are fewer coconut trees along the shore,” she explained. “We are committed to doing everything we can to mitigate climate change for the sake of future generations.”
Mereisi Vuceituba from Naviti added that coastal erosion has significantly impacted local villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She noted that SSViT has been collaborating with the government to assess the technical needs of these communities, including providing expert advice, establishing nurseries, and exploring options for reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and forestry interventions.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, drew attention to the damage caused to their seawall by powerful waves. “This is a major concern for women in Vuda. We are requesting some form of sea defense, similar to what has been implemented in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach,” she stated.