The people of Waikalou in Serea, Naitasiri have lost over 40 acres of land due to landslides as an impact to climate change.
While speaking at a sideline event on Pacific grassroots leaders organized by Fiji Council of Social Services at Pacific Pre-COP31, Waikalou Village Headman Akuila Tuinasau says landslides have been happening since the 1970s.
He says while growing up, there was about 60 acres of land, but now only 16 acres remain.
Tuinasau says during heavy rain, soft soil under the top layer of soil gets washed away into Wainimala River.
The Turaga ni Koro says this is causing houses to collapse.
He also says farming areas have been destroyed, affecting the income for the mataqali.
When questioned by moderator Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo that if the geo-tech science says that it is no longer sustainable and what he is prepared to do, the Village Headman says some serious decisions have to be made should they decide to move.
He is emphasizing the need for leaders to take their issues relating to non-economic loss and damage with regards to their traditional land and practices to the world stage at COP31 in Türkiye next month.
Vosarogo assured that there will be an opportunity to share and represent their voice.
