Climate change in Fiji: Positive prospects despite resettlements!

Climate change in Fiji: Positive prospects despite resettlements!

A current study by geographers Philipps University of Marburg deals with climate-related resettlements in Fiji and highlights the experiences of the affected village communities. While the results point to initial positive impulses, they also show the complexity of these challenges. The research team highlights that partial relocations not only have a negative impact on people's lives, but are also perceived by many as an opportunity to better adapt to climatic changes.

The study, published in the journal *Nature Communications Earth & Environment*, analyzed living conditions in various communities. Fiji is made up of 332 islands, 110 of which are inhabited, and at least 50 communities face the challenge of relocation due to climate changes. One example is the village of Narikoso, where rising sea levels and erosion are forcing residents to fundamentally change their living situation.

The example of Narikoso

As in the area of German Society for International Cooperation Reportedly, Narikoso requires resettlement, which was initiated several years ago. Here new houses are being built 150 meters from the old location to be safer from flooding. These measures are part of a comprehensive project that also includes improving agricultural practices.

The residents receive training on how to adapt their agricultural methods and how to use their resources sustainably in order to secure their livelihoods in the long term. GIZ is supporting the Fijian government in this process and has jointly developed new resettlement guidelines based on the experiences in Narikoso. These should act as a model for making future resettlements successful.

Climate change as a driver of resettlements

The challenges facing Fiji and other Pacific island nations are diverse. The region faces not only rising sea levels, but also more intense tropical storms and prolonged droughts. Data shows that the coastline in Narikoso has retreated by 15 meters in the last 30 years, increasing the need for relocation. In the last ten years, 40 communities have already been identified that are also faced with the decision to change their place of residence in order to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

In the broader perspective, 15 governments in the Pacific Community are working to find solutions that include resettlement, renewable energy development and improved disaster preparedness. That's what this reports Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development that numerous projects for sustainable energy production are being pursued in order to reduce our own contribution to climate change. In the Solomon Islands, for example, the aim is to cover half of the energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.

Fiji in particular shows how important it is to include the perspectives of those affected in political decisions in order to design fair and sustainable resettlements. The residents' positive narratives, as identified in the Marburg study, could not only influence the resettlement strategy, but also serve as a model for other regions worldwide affected by climate change.