Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) are actively working to reduce the impacts of climate change in their province. Women whose lands and coastal regions have suffered due to climate change are reaching out for support from government and non-governmental organizations to help address the issue.
Recently, SSViT Ba members, alongside officials from the Ministry of Forestry, planted lemon trees along a riverbank in Yavusania Village as a measure to prevent soil erosion. This initiative was made possible through funding from 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 concerns over their coastal areas impacted by climate change. Adi Ateca Vukili, a representative from Nacula District, noted that their white sandy beaches are gradually disappearing. She commented, “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 commitment to taking action to mitigate climate change for future generations.
Mereisi Vuceituba, another representative from Naviti, highlighted that coastal erosion has severely impacted villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She stated that SSViT has been collaborating with the government to assess the technical needs of the villages, which includes providing technical advice, establishing nurseries for community members, and exploring possibility for reforestation and sustainable agriculture and forestry practices.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, mentioned that the seawall in their area has been damaged by powerful waves. She pointed out that this is a significant concern for the women in Vuda, and they are requesting some form of sea defense similar to those in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach.