Bose Vavataga 
Women in Najia Village on Viwa Island have received a new boat to support their pearl farming business, strengthening a growing climate-resilient livelihood.
The handover took place month under the Pasifika WE GUARDIANS project, led by Alinea International with the Soqosoqo Vaka Marama iTaukei Ba.
The programme is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and supports women-led businesses across Fiji, Samoa and Tuvalu.
The boat is expected to improve safety and efficiency for the women as they manage their pearl oyster farms and also making easier to access markets and expand the enterprise.
Technical support from the Ministry of Fisheries has played a major role in the project.
Its Pearl Research Division carried out feasibility work in Viwa, trained the women, and helped establish oyster spat lines in offshore areas.
Findings from the Ministry confirmed that seawater around Viwa has stable and high salinity levels, making it well suited for pearl farming despite changing climate conditions.
This reinforces the long-term potential of the activity as a reliable source of income for coastal communities.
Tui Viwa says the village has never received this kind of support before. He says the project and the new boat will allow women to operate safely and sustain the business, while also creating opportunities for people to return home as new sources of income develop.
The initiative is expected to strengthen livelihoods in Viwa and support a more secure future for families in the community.
