Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) are actively addressing the challenges posed by climate change in their region. The women, whose lands and coastal areas have been adversely impacted, are reaching out for assistance from both government and non-governmental organizations to help mitigate these effects.
Recently, SSViT Ba members, together with officials from the Ministry of Forestry, planted lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village to combat soil erosion. This initiative 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 last Tuesday, representatives from Naviti Island in Yasawa expressed their concerns regarding the deterioration of their coastal regions due to climate change. Adi Ateca Vukili, a representative from Nacula District, highlighted the loss of their once pristine white sandy beaches, which are now diminishing in favor of limestone exposure. “We have experienced rapid coastal erosion, and there are fewer coconut trees along the beach,” she noted. “We will stand and do whatever we can to mitigate this climate change for our future generations.”
Mereisi Vuceituba from Naviti emphasized the severe impact of coastal erosion on villages like Marou and Kese. She stated that SSViT is collaborating with the government to conduct technical assessments of these affected areas. This collaboration includes providing technical advice, establishing nurseries for community members, and exploring options for reforestation, as well as sustainable agricultural and forestry interventions.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, reported that strong waves had destroyed their seawall. “This is one of the pressing issues for women in Vuda, and we are requesting some form of sea defense similar to what exists in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach,” she said.