Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba (SSViT) are actively working to combat the impacts of climate change in their region. The women, whose lands and coastal areas have been severely affected, are reaching out for assistance from government and non-government organizations to help address the challenges posed by climate change.
Recently, SSViT members collaborated with officials from the Ministry of Forestry to plant lemon trees along the riverbank in Yavusania Village, aiming to mitigate soil erosion. The initiative is supported by 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 about the coastal degradation caused by climate change. Nacula District representative Adi Ateca Vukili highlighted that the previously pristine white sandy beaches are now diminishing, revealing more limestone. She noted that their coastal areas have experienced significant erosion, resulting in fewer coconut trees along the shoreline. “We will stand and do whatever we can to mitigate this climate change for our future generations,” she affirmed.
Mereisi Vuceituba, also from Naviti, reported that coastal erosion is impacting local villages, particularly Marou and Kese. She stated that SSViT has been collaborating with the government to conduct technical assessments of the affected villages. This partnership includes providing technical advice and expertise, establishing nurseries for SSViT members, and exploring opportunities for reforestation and sustainable agricultural practices.
Iliseva Namuaira, a representative from Viseisei Vuda, mentioned that their seawall has been compromised due to strong wave actions. “This is one of the issues that women in Vuda are concerned about. We are asking for some form of sea defense similar to what is present in Wailoaloa and Newtown Beach,” she said.