Climate change our biggest threat
The head of the Sawau District on the island of Beqa says the biggest threat on their island is climate change.
Ratu Timoci Maranitobua made the statement following the completion of a two weeks Traditional canoe building and sailing course for 25 villagers on Beqa Island yesterday.
Ratu Maranitobua said they were witnessing parts of their sea walls and beaches disappear and also the devastating impacts very strong cyclones on the island.
“This is why we are taking every step to preserve our island home and our lagoon given as a blessing to us,” he said.
“As a community we have already put in place restrictions on bringing non recyclable plastic bottles and plastic bags into the villages. “We are using animal waste and turning it into fuel, we have food security programmes in the villages and schools and we are physically removing crown of thorns from the reefs so that coral are healthy.” He said the villagers were planting mangroves amongst other things to remain resilient.
He added that with the 25 villagers being trained to build and master traditional canoes, the island had embarked on other stage of championing resilience.
“Traditional canoes means lesser emissions,” he said.
“This means breaking the debt cycle that comes with this resilience on fossil fuels.
“It means that we can regularly survey our tabu areas and not worry about fuel costs.”
He added that the island would now reduce marine pollution through the reduction of outboard motor use.
“The discharge of fuel and oil back into the ocean is now a thing of the past,” he added.