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 land and coastal areas have been significantly affected, are reaching out for assistance from both government and non-government organizations to implement effective climate change mitigation strategies.
Recently, SSViT Ba members, alongside officials from the Ministry of Forestry, participated in a tree-planting initiative, placing lemon trees along the riverbanks at Yavusania Village to help combat soil erosion. This effort was supported by funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF).
During a workshop at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel, representatives from Naviti Island in Yasawa expressed their concerns over the impact of climate change on their coastal environments. Adi Ateca Vukili, a representative from Nacula District, highlighted that their once-pristine white sandy beaches are gradually 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 the commitment of the women in the region to take action and combat climate change for the sake of future generations. Mereisi Vuceituba from Naviti added that coastal erosion has had a severe impact on their villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She explained that SSViT has been collaborating with government entities to perform technical assessments in these areas, which includes offering technical guidance, developing nurseries for community members, and exploring options for reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and forestry interventions.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, reported that their seawall has been severely damaged by strong waves. She stated, “This is one of the issues that women in Vuda are concerned about. We are requesting some form of sea defense similar to what is found in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach.”