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 region. The women, whose lands and coastal areas have been adversely affected, are reaching out for support from government and non-governmental organizations to help mitigate these changes.
Recently, SSViT members collaborated with officials from the Ministry of Forestry to plant lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village, a move aimed at preventing soil erosion. This initiative received 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 their concerns regarding the deterioration of their coastal areas due to climate change. Adi Ateca Vukili, a representative from the Nacula District, highlighted the alarming erosion of their once pristine white sandy beaches, noting, “We are now seeing more limestones. This is one of the changes we have discovered. We have experienced rapid coastal erosion. There are fewer coconut trees on the beach.”
Vukili reinforced the commitment of the women to take action to address climate change for the sake of future generations. Mereisi Vuceituba from Naviti added that coastal erosion has significantly impacted villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She indicated that SSViT is working alongside the government on technical assessments for these villages, which includes providing expert advice, establishing nurseries, and potentially initiating reforestation and sustainable agriculture efforts.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, pointing out that their seawall has been destroyed by strong waves, called for the implementation of defensive measures similar to those in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach, emphasizing the urgent concerns of women in Vuda regarding coastal safety.