Serua Island: Battling Climate Change and Cultural Identity
Serua Island, Fiji, faces critical threats from climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather jeopardizing its residents’ way of life. Local leaders like Waisale Natuna emphasize the need for better infrastructure and proactive measures while rejecting any idea of relocating from their ancestral lands.
Climate change continues to loom as a pressing issue affecting communities globally, particularly on Serua Island in Fiji. Once a symbol of proactive climate agreements, the situation has drastically changed since the Paris Agreement in 2015. The political landscape now is tumultuous, with climate dialogue overshadowed by conflicts like the war in Gaza and the situation in Ukraine, all while extreme weather events seem to get more severe and unpredictable.
Located just a stone’s throw from Viti Levu, Serua Island is witnessing the creeping influence of rising seawater, drastically endangering its inhabitants and their cherished way of life. Traditionally, Serua has been the chiefly residence for the paramount chief, known as the Vunivalu. The island holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous Fijians of the region.
A recent visit from The Sunday Times team highlighted the serious consequences of climate change. Accompanied by village elder Waisale Natuna, the group saw how high tides now erase coastal areas that were once walkable. “Today, the island is home to just over 100 households,” Natuna pointed out, noting that many families have relocated to the nearby mainland village of Talenaua due to rising seas.
The elder recounted the catastrophic cyclone of the 1980s, which reshaped the island’s infrastructure and highlighted the dire need for climate adaptation efforts. Particularly vulnerable was even Ratu Latianara Primary School on the mainland, once viewed as a refuge. This incident reinforced the importance of proactive strategies against unpredictable weather patterns.
One significant effort has been the construction of a government-backed seawall on the western side of the village. Although built in the 1980s, its efficacy has come into question. Joseva Robanakadavu, the spokesperson for the Vunivalu, pointed out that the seawall has seemingly exacerbated flooding issues. “The wall has no outlets to allow rainwater to flow back into the sea,” he criticized, noting the constant puddling and long-term soil instability this causes.
Two notable hills on Serua—Navua and Dakuiserua—have been particularly affected by recent environmental changes, with increased rains leading to landslides. Natuna emphasized the need for preventive measures: “To prevent future landslides, we are preparing to plant vetiver grass around Dakuiserua to stabilize the soil.” This is indicative of a grassroots approach to tackling climate adversities.
Elder Natuna remarked that while previous local governments made some headway with temporary solutions like laying out large rocks along the shoreline, these are not sufficient. There is a pressing need for a properly engineered seawall and improved drainage systems in the village.
Past initiatives under the Integrated Village Development Plan (IVDP) sought to address these challenges through projects like elevating the island and constructing better infrastructure. The villagers, noting Serua’s proximity to the mainland, have discussed building a more accessible walkway to facilitate movement.
Relocation is firmly off the table according to village leaders. “There is so much history tied to this island—our identity, bloodlines, and connection to the land and sea,” Natuna articulated. The elders are resolute: they will not sit idle waiting for government action but will strive to safeguard their island and its rich heritage.
In conclusion, Serua Island stands as a potent symbol of the immediate realities of climate change. While government interventions have so far proved inadequate, the determination of its inhabitants highlights a robust commitment to preserving their cultural identity and physical home. The local leadership remains proactive, seeking sustainable solutions to combat pressing climate challenges, viewing relocation as an unacceptable option.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
