Climate Change Pressures Serua Island: A Fight for Cultural Survival

Serua Island in Fiji faces severe climate change challenges, characterized by rising seawater and extreme weather. The island’s residents, led by elder Waisale Natuna, are experiencing displacement and land instability but remain committed to their cultural heritage. Calls for better infrastructure, including a properly designed seawall, have been made while relocation is deemed out of the question.

Climate change, often labeled as the defining issue of our era, has taken on a new urgency since the Paris Agreement was established in 2015. The situation has shifted dramatically, particularly with the United States no longer leading the charge on climate action under President Trump. Current global affairs are dominated by tariffs and ongoing conflicts, most notably in Gaza and Ukraine, overshadowing environmental concerns. Meanwhile, severe weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and unpredictable.

In Fiji, Serua Island faces dire challenges as rising seawater threatens its inhabitants and cultural heritage. This island, historically significant as the residence of the paramount chief, the Vunivalu, holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the indigenous Fijians. Just a short distance from Viti Levu, Serua has been under siege from climate change, raising alarms about its future.

During a recent visit from The Sunday Times, villagers led by elder Waisale Natuna painted a grim picture of the ongoing sea-level rise. The island now boasts just over 100 households, with many villagers forced to relocate to the mainland village of Talenaua. “Usually, in every family, one sibling is chosen to care for the family home here,” Natuna explained, as families cope with the changes.

Historically, the worst catastrophe in the area occurred in the 1980s when coastal flooding from cyclones devastated the region. This prompted local leaders to recognize the urgent need for proactive measures. Since then, efforts have been made, yet much work remains to be done. A notable government climate project on Serua is the seawall, built by the Alliance Government in the 80s.

However, villagers now express concern that this seawall might be contributing to flooding. Joseva Robanakadavu, the spokesperson for the Vunivalu, noted the seawall lacks proper drainage systems. “The wall has no outlets to allow rainwater to flow back into the sea during heavy downpours,” he asserted, highlighting how this leads to water accumulation in the village.

The island features two significant hills, Navua and Dakuiserua, the latter being a sacred burial site. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides on both hills, exacerbated by high tide waters reaching their bases. Natuna mentioned plans to stabilize the soil using vetiver grass to prevent future landslides. With no formal seawall protecting the eastern side of the island, he raised concerns about the existing temporary rock formations.

The village elders have proposed necessary projects to the provincial council, emphasizing the need for a properly engineered seawall and improved drainage systems. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating the impact of rising sea levels. “We need to raise the island’s land and ensure proper mobility through a walkway to the mainland,” commented Natuna.

For residents of Serua, the loss of their home is simply not an option. Natuna passionately stated, “There is so much history tied to this island—our identity, bloodlines, and connection to the land and sea are embedded in it. Words cannot capture it.” Despite waiting for government assistance, the province remains determined to take action to protect their legacy and land.

The impacts of climate change on Serua Island showcase the urgent need for effective strategies to protect vulnerable communities. As residents advocate for improved infrastructure, the village grapples with rising tides and land stability issues. Relocation is not an option; the island’s history and cultural significance are too vital. Thus, the call for a properly engineered seawall and better drainage systems is imperative for the survival of Serua’s people. They are committed to preserving their way of life amidst these daunting challenges.

Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj