Abstract
Relocation from coastal areas is a huge challenge for communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change induced inundation. This study focuses on Vunisavisavi Village in Fiji, where severe coastal erosion and frequent inundation events have increased to such an extent that relocation is the only feasible option remaining. This paper explores the social and cultural challenges faced by Vunisavisavi villagers in relocation, with an emphasis on the extent to which place attachment acts as a barrier for relocation. The paper summarizes the findings from individual and focus group interviews of Vunisavisavi villagers. The research findings provide an insight into the existing adaptation patterns of the villagers and recommends an early intervention in assessing the vulnerability of communities to ensure that best adaptation strategies are implemented.
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Notes
- 1.
Traditional iTaukei land owning unit or clan.
- 2.
Referred to as kava and is strongly associated with the Fijian culture and traditional ceremony.
- 3.
Fijian term for farms.
- 4.
The Tui Cakau is the Paramount Chief of Cakaudrove Province in Fiji.
- 5.
Vanua is the Fijian term used to refer to the physical land, home or village.
- 6.
Tutu vakavanua is the Fijian term referring to social organization or traditional hierarchy.
- 7.
Mataqali is the Fijian term referring to a Fijian clan/tribe or landowning unit.
- 8.
Lalagavesi is the Fijian term referring to the foundation of the former and first Tui Cakau’s chiefly residence.
- 9.
Sau is the Fijian term used to refer to customary punishment and can also be used to mean ‘power’. In this instance it means customary punishment.
- 10.
Sau in this instance is used to refer to power or chiefly might.
- 11.
Mana is the Fijian term used to refer to heavenly blessings.
- 12.
Taro—Colocasia Esculenta.
- 13.
Yam—common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea that form edible tubers.
- 14.
Cassava Manihot Esculenta.
- 15.
Kumala—Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas).
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Singh, P., Charan, D., Kaur, M., Railoa, K., Chand, R. (2020). Place Attachment and Cultural Barriers to Climate Change Induced Relocation: Lessons from Vunisavisavi Village, Vanua Levu, Fiji. In: Leal Filho, W. (eds) Managing Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific Region. Climate Change Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40552-6_2
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