Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) are actively engaged in efforts to combat the impacts of climate change in their province. The women, whose lands and coastal regions have suffered due to climate change, are reaching out to both government and non-government organizations for assistance.
Recently, SSViT Ba members collaborated with officials from the Ministry of Forestry to plant lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village to help combat soil erosion. This initiative was funded by 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 about the damage to their coastal areas caused by climate change. Adi Ateca Vukili, a representative from Nacula District, noted the alarming rate of erosion: “Our white sandy beaches are slowly washing away. We used to have beautiful white sands, but now there are more limestones, and we have seen a decrease in coconut trees along the beach.”
“We are determined to take action and do everything possible to mitigate the effects of climate change for the sake of future generations,” she stated.
Mereisi Vuceituba from Naviti emphasized the severe impact coastal erosion has had on villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She mentioned that SSViT is working in partnership with the government to conduct technical assessments of the affected areas along with providing technical guidance and setting up nurseries for community members. They are also exploring reforestation and sustainable agricultural practices.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, spoke about the destruction of their seawall due to powerful waves, stressing, “This is a significant concern for women in Vuda. We are seeking some form of sea defense like that in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach.”