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Korova Settlement takes lead role in climate change fight

August 1, 2018 1:04 am

People living in Korova Settlement in Suva have been taking a lead role in the fight against climate change over the past few years.

With a population of about sixty people, this urban settlement is empowering other communities around the country with their level of resilience.

Head of Korova Settlement, Semiti Cama says they believe in saving the ocean and that is why they don’t use engine boats but instead they rely on their traditional knowledge of carving canoes.

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He says the ocean washes in tonnes of rubbish every day and it’ sad to see that many are not taking care of the environment that is holding them aground.

“Climate change is already here and its impacts are happening right before our eyes. In this settlement, we have planted mangroves all around to stop the tides from coming in and we do as a community. No one here uses engine boats, we come from a family of canoe carvers and we stick to that tradition. We don’t want to pollute the ocean even more. Because of the rise in sea level, we’re also asking parents to look after their children not to go far out.”

Cama says they are also involving people of all ages from the community to participate in mangrove planting and building a safer coastal line.

The settlement is also ensuring that the younger generation is taught on the importance of being resilient and turn to the use of some traditional practices that is not harmful for the environment.