Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) are actively working to address the impacts of climate change in their region. The women, whose lands and coastal areas have been adversely affected, are seeking assistance from both government and non-government organizations to combat climate change.
Recently, SSViT Ba members, along with officials from the Ministry of Forestry, planted lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village to help prevent 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 at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel last Tuesday, representatives from Naviti Island in Yasawa expressed their concerns regarding the degradation of their coastal areas due to climate change. Nacula District representative Adi Ateca Vukili highlighted the alarming erosion of their once pristine white sandy beaches, which are now increasingly replaced by limestone. She noted that rapid coastal erosion has led to a significant decrease in the number of coconut trees along the beach.
“We will stand and do whatever we can to mitigate this climate change for our future generations,” Vukili stated.
Mereisi Vuceituba, also from Naviti, reported that coastal erosion has significantly impacted villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She indicated that SSViT has been collaborating with the government on technical assessments of affected villages, which includes providing technical advice and setting up nurseries for community members, as well as exploring reforestation and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, shared that their seawall has been damaged by powerful waves, leading to concerns among the women in Vuda. She urged for the implementation of sea defense mechanisms similar to those found in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach to protect their community.