Invitation to Public Lecture by Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, USP, 13 September
The Head of School of Marine Studies Dr. Joeli Veitayaki will be giving a Public Lecture on Thursday 13th September 2012 at 6.00pm at the USP Emalus Campus Conference Room.
Vakarau ni se Siga Toka (prepare while there is still time): Lomani Gau’s Response to Climate Change
Joeli Veitayaki
ABSTRACT
Climate change in Fiji is now manifested through increasing coastal flooding, erosion, salt water intrusion, damaged water and land resources and regular storm damages. There is also concern that coral reefs, crops and natural resources will be affected by increasing temperature and rainfall. In addition, Fijians are becoming more vulnerable because of the increasing threat from their rapidly increasing population that needs settlements, services and facilities, their concentration into urban areas and their poor resources both in terms of weak financial position and restricted human capacity.
Fortunately for Fijians, they have been warned by a traditional saying to be prepared while there is still time. This warning is being adhered to in the country as witnessed through climate change adaptation policies, strategies and activities that demonstrate political will, commitment of resources and leadership. In local communities, some of the adaptation activities undertaken include coastal protection, adaptation in land use and living practices and new options such as aquaculture, sustainable technologies and better suited crop varieties. The involvement of local communities is the basis of integrated management and innovations that incorporate biodiversity conservation and environment alteration, alternative livelihood and economic, social and cultural well being. In addition, good governance, strong organizations and moral leadership are promoted to ensure the satisfaction of people’s basic needs, which can relieve poverty, improve livelihoods and build environmentally friendly enterprises.
In this paper, the focus will be on the adaptation undertaken by the members of the Lomani Gau, which is the local association spearheading the adaptation work on Gau Island, the 5th largest island in the country. These initiatives can be mainstreamed for adaptation across the Pacific Islands as they are locally based, cheap and effective.