Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) are actively working to address the impacts of climate change in their province. The women, whose land and coastal regions have been impacted, are reaching out for assistance from both governmental and non-governmental organizations to help mitigate these effects.
Recently, SSViT Ba members partnered with officials from the Ministry of Forestry to plant lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village as a measure to combat soil erosion. This initiative was supported by funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF).
During a workshop held last Tuesday at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel, representatives from Naviti Island in Yasawa expressed concerns regarding coastal erosion in their areas. Nacula District representative Adi Ateca Vukili noted that their white sandy beaches are gradually disappearing.
“Previously, we had beautiful sandy beaches, but now we are seeing more limestone exposed due to increased coastal erosion. The number of coconut trees along the beach has also diminished,” she stated. Vukili emphasized their commitment to taking action against climate change for the sake of future generations.
Mereisi Vuceituba, also from Naviti, indicated that coastal erosion has significantly affected villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She mentioned that SSViT has been collaborating with the government to conduct technical assessments of the affected villages. This collaboration includes providing technical guidance, establishing nurseries for community members, and exploring options for reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and forestry interventions.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, reported that strong waves have severely damaged their seawall, raising concerns among local women. “This is a major issue for women in Vuda. We are advocating for some form of coastal defense similar to what exists in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach,” she remarked.