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 lands and coastal areas have been affected, are seeking assistance from both government and non-government organizations to combat climate change.
Recently, SSViT members, along with officials from the Ministry of Forestry, planted lemon trees along the riverbank at Yavusania Village as a measure to reduce soil erosion. This initiative was funded by 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 the Naviti Island in Yasawa expressed their concerns regarding the erosion of their coastal areas due to climate change. Nacula District representative Adi Ateca Vukili noted that their once pristine white sandy beaches are gradually being replaced by limestone. She highlighted the alarming rate of coastal erosion and the diminishing number of coconut trees along the shoreline.
“We will stand and do whatever we can to mitigate this climate change for our future generations,” she declared.
Mereisi Vuceituba from Naviti added that coastal erosion has severely impacted villages, particularly in Marou and Kese. She mentioned that SSViT has been collaborating with the government on technical assessments for these villages, which includes providing technical guidance, setting up nurseries for community members, and exploring reforestation and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, reported that their seawall has been destroyed by strong waves. “This is one of the issues that women in Vuda are concerned about. We are requesting some form of sea defense similar to that in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach,” she stated.