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 severely affected, are reaching out for assistance from government and non-government organizations to help mitigate these changes.
Recently, SSViT Ba members, alongside officials from the Ministry of Forestry, planted lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village as a measure to combat soil erosion. This initiative was financially supported by 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 their concerns about the coastal areas impacted by climate change. Nacula District representative Adi Ateca Vukili noted that their once pristine white sandy beaches are increasingly being replaced by limestones due to erosion. She emphasized the rapid pace of coastal erosion and the diminishing number of coconut trees on the shores. “We will stand and do whatever we can to mitigate this climate change for our future generations,” she stated.
Mereisi Vuceituba, also from Naviti, highlighted the significant effects of coastal erosion on villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She mentioned that SSViT has been collaborating with the government on technical assessments of the affected villages, which includes providing advice and expertise, establishing nurseries for SSViT members, and exploring reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and forestry initiatives.
Women’s representative Iliseva Namuaira from Viseisei Vuda voiced concerns about the destruction of their seawall caused by strong waves. She called for some form of sea defense comparable to those at Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach to protect their community from further erosion.