46 communities yet to be resettled due to climate change in Fiji

Fiji experiences a sea level rise two to three times more than the global average according to scientific reports as 46 communities are yet to be re-settled due to climate change in our country.

This was revealed by Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Doctor Sivendra Michael during fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan.

Doctor Michael says of the 46 communities mentioned by fijivillage News, 6 communities have been relocated.

Two are currently being relocated which is Nabavatu and Cogea in Bua through the Fiji Council of Social Services.

He says there is a task force that is being set up by the government to look after the relocation of these 46 communities and to ensure that a prioritization process is undertaken to see which community needs the relocation support.

Doctor Michael highlights that relocation is the ultimate last resort and they are looking for adaptation measures to counter climate change like building sea walls.

When questioned on what the Ministry would do with the people not wanting to relocate, Doctor Michael stresses that they know the indigenous people have a shared sense of belonging to their land and they understand the narrative of the Vanua which shapes them.

He says they will approach the people in a more just and consultative way and they will follow the guidelines and the standard operating procedures that ensure that the voices of these people are heard.