Community Perceptions of Climate Change vulnerability, natural hazards and relocation: insights from Nabukadra and Navuniivi villages in Fiji.

This month there will be have two student presentations. The first will be presented by Fenner Masters student, Alexandra Nichols. Alexandra will present her recent research on climate change and relocation in Fiji. The second presentation will consist of a student seminar series and will be presented by students from this year’s Fiji Field School.

Presentation 1. Title: Community perceptions of climate change vulnerability, natural hazards and relocation: insights from Nabukadra and Navuniivi villages in Fiji. Presenter: Alexandra Nichols, Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU. 

Abstract: Following cyclone Winston in January 2016, the Government of Fiji encouraged affected communities to relocate or to retreat from the coastline, where communities would be safer from future hazards and climate change impacts. Nabukadra and Navuniivi villages in Ra Province were both heavily impacted by Winston, but only Nabukadra village is considering retreating, likely due to differences in physical location, infrastructure and socio-economic conditions. I will be presenting research from these two villages on community perceptions of climate change vulnerability, natural hazards and relocation. This work is part of a broader project on integrated coastal management in Ra Province being undertaken at the University of the South Pacific. 

Presentations 2.Title: Student seminar series: ‘Island Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School’

Abstract: In this presentation, students from Fenner’s graduate course ‘Island Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School’ will give short presentations on their critical insights into ‘island development’. In particular, the presentations will draw on issues around sustainability and Small Island Developing States, and will include topics on water resources, eco-tourism, health, disaster management (with specific reference to Winston), fisheries, and agriculture. Please join to support and offer critical feedback to all students.

Please contact Hannah Barrowman (Hannah.barrowman@anu.edu.au) for further information.