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. Women whose lands and coastal areas have been adversely affected are reaching out for assistance from government and non-governmental organizations to address these challenges.
Recently, SSViT Ba members, along with officials from the Ministry of Forestry, planted lemon trees along the riverbank at Yavusania Village to help prevent 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 worries regarding the degradation of their coastal areas due to climate change. Nacula District representative Adi Ateca Vukili highlighted that their once pristine white sandy beaches are disappearing. She noted, “Before, there were white sandy beaches, now we have 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 emphasized their determination to fight climate change for the sake of future generations. Mereisi Vuceituba, also from Naviti, pointed out that coastal erosion has significantly impacted villages, particularly in Marou and Kese. She mentioned that SSViT is collaborating with the government on a technical assessment of these communities, which includes offering expert advice, establishing nurseries for members, and exploring reforestation and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, raised concerns about their seawall being damaged by strong waves, stating, “This is one of the issues that women in Vuda are concerned about. We are asking for some sort of sea defense like in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach.”