COP23 Champion and Minister for Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu has called on communities to look after their environment.

Seruiratu was speaking in the Ba highlands yesterday while commissioning the country’s first non-coastal relocation of Tukuraki village.

“As the Global Champion for COP23 and the Minister responsible for Rural Development, that is the message for all of us to look after our environment, we have a responsibility to look after our environment.”

Seruiratu added that while it was important for communities to look to their natural resources for economic livelihoods, villagers need to ensure any and all livelihoods are sustainable.

“Of course there are economic gains but there are environmental implications and social implications as well.”

Tukuraki Village had to be relocated after a devastating landslide in 2012 that led to the loss of a family of four and temporary shelter for the surviving villagers over the last five years.

The project was completed in partnership with the Pacific Community and the European Union with funding support of close to 800 thousand dollars.
11 new disaster resilient homes have been constructed including an evacuation centre.

In addition, a fish pond, poultry farm and honey bees have been provided to enable the villagers to be sustainable and run a business.