included representatives from NGOs, communities, government
and development agencies
(Photo/Supplied)
Suva,
Fiji –– Climate relocation stakeholders convened
in Suva yesterday to deliberate on the findings of the
Vakabula Vanua Process: Insights into the Viability and
Possible Applications.
The Insights Report
provides an analysis of the insights directly derived from
sub-activities undertaken by the Fiji Council of Social
Services (FCOSS). These activities aimed to research and
analyse the status quo of indigenous lands and kinfolk
relationships across 10 communities.
Speaking at the
Vakabula Vanua: Endline Workshop at the Suva Civic Centre
yesterday, FCOSS President Sepesa Rasili stated that the
gathering marked a significant milestone in the project’s
journey.
“It is the final sub-activity under
Activity 1—our research and analysis of the status quo of
indigenous lands and kinfolk relationships,” Rasili
explained. “Through this activity, we have collaborated
with selected communities to assess relocation needs,
analyse land ownership and kinship systems, and identify
opportunities for the Vakabula Vanua
process.”
Rasili noted that these sub-activities
included desk research, an inception workshop, community
assessments in 10 villages across Fiji, and a mid-term
validation workshop conducted between March and June
2025.
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“These sub-activities were also implemented to
glean insights into the viability and possible applications
of the Vakabula Vanua process in select communities under
the project,” he added.
“Today, we
validate those findings by presenting the final report and
community profiles, while also holding critical dialogue on
relocation readiness, land, and kinship, and endorsing the
pilot community where the process will begin,” Rasili
affirmed.
“From here, we move forward
into deeper community engagement, government–community
systems synergy, advocacy at national, regional, and
international levels, and ongoing monitoring, evaluation,
and learning.”
He emphasised that each step builds
on the last, ensuring that this initiative is not a one-off
consultation but a long-term process of empowering
communities to lead and sustain their own climate
resilience.
Rasili expressed gratitude to the
International Climate Initiative (IKI), on behalf of the
German Federal Foreign Office, through the Climate Diplomacy
Action Programme, for their invaluable support.
He
acknowledged partners including Brot für die Welt, GIZ, the
Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and the iTaukei Affairs
Board.
“Their guidance and commitment ensure that
the work carried out under the Vakabula Vanua Project is
conducted with both cultural sensitivity and technical
rigor,” he said.
The workshop will conclude this
afternoon with remarks from the iTaukei Affairs Board Deputy
Chief Executive Officer, Josefa
Toganivalu.
