Naveicovatu Village in Tailevu, like many other climate-vulnerable communities, has had to adapt to new climatic threats for their own security.
However, thanks to innovative, nature-based solutions, we’re starving off those floodwaters and preserving community’s security with the introduction of vetiver grass.
These were comments by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the launch of a new report from the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) as part of a global “Follow the Sun” event in Naveicovatu Village in Tailevu yesterday.
“The erosion of your riverbank has poured floodwater from the Wainibuka River into your homes and community building.
“We’ve halted the erosion of your riverbank with 600 metres of vetiver grass, or ghatra.
“This grass is non-invasive, it removes water pollutants and promotes soil and water conversation,” he added.
Government is looking to replicate the project’s success in 22 other villagers along the river.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the success of the project had made the village a model for climate-vulnerable communities around the world.
“By highlighting your community’s success story, we’re going to help spur greater global commitments to the cause of climate adaptation. We will help garner more resources to protect more communities who urgently need to boost their resilience.
“Fiji stands ready – alongside the GCA – to rally governments, businesses and development organisations to back innovative and scalable adaptation strategies that save lives today and spare our world from future suffering,” he added.
Tui Naloto Epineri Taganesei said that his people were pleased that the project had begun with them.
“We have always been on the forefront of devastation when there is torrential flooding during the rainy sessions,” Mr Taganesei said.
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with Naveicovatu villagers of Tailevu and his sons, Ibrahim and Idris, on September 10, 2019 following the launch of the Global Commission and Adaptation Flagship Report.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
About the report
The Global Commission on Adaptation seeks to accelerate adaptation by elevating the political visibility of adaptation and focusing on concrete solutions.
The Commission is led by Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Kristalina Georgieva, CEO, World Bank.
It is guided by 34 Commissioners, consisting of leaders from political, business, multilateral, and scientific worlds; and it is convened by 20 countries.
A global network of research partners and advisors support the Commission.
The Commission is co-managed by the World Resources Institute and the Global Center on Adaptation.
The report is designed to inspire action among decision-makers, including heads of state and government officials, mayors, business executives, investors, and community leaders.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
Feedback: ilaijia.ravuwai@fijisun.com.fj