Who We Work With
We partner with the expert team at Habitat for Humanity Fiji to plan and deliver this project.
Project Summary
Serua Island in Fiji is a community facing severe climate impacts. This project has been the subject of significant planning this year to strengthen the island’s climate resilience while safeguarding the environment, health, livelihoods and cultural heritage of its residents. By enhancing infrastructure, building local capacity and supporting community-led planning, the project helps the community adapt to climate change while preserving their way of life.
Habitat for Humanity Fiji is working closely with the people of Serua to identify and implement priority interventions. Activities include needs assessments, training and community mobilisation for planning and implementing priority infrastructure improvements. These efforts support the Village Integrated Development Plan established with local government. The project is planned to improve housing, and increase local capacity to withstand climate-related disasters like cyclones, ensuring people can continue living on their lands safely, on their terms.
Project Need
Serua Island, located less than 3 km off the Fijian mainland, is experiencing rising threats from climate change. The island’s seawall no longer protects against high tides, resulting in flooding, saltwater intrusion, waterborne illnesses and food insecurity.
Despite these challenges, the indigenous iTaukei community remains committed to their land, driven by cultural and ancestral ties. While national relocation policies exist, these are considered a last resort due to the significance of associated cultural loss. Community-led solutions, such as mangrove restoration and break walls, have been implemented, but they are not sufficient on their own.
Project Activities
The project builds climate resilience using community-led approaches that increase knowledge, practical skills and local planning capacity. Key activities include:
- Climate resilience and skills trainings
- Development of a long-term Disaster Risk Reduction Master Plan
- Build-back-safer and basic plumbing skills trainings
- Retrofitting housing improvements with water and sanitation infrastructure to improve resilience
Impact
Through targeted, community-led interventions, 430 residents of Serua Village will be better prepared to respond to climate change. The project enhances awareness, practical skills, planning and access to support.
During Phase 1, community infrastructure needs are being assessed, with Phase 2 planned to expand activities and further strengthen climate resilience.
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