A Vodafone Miss Hibiscus contestant this year will be talking about using traditional knowledge to adapt to climate change at the Vodafone Hibiscus Festival this year.

Sotiana Mele, 24, said in ancient days, our ancestors would look at the stars to help determine the weather.

“This was before technology was introduced, thus this knowledge was an integral part of the iTaukei culture that is slowly deteriorating,” she said.

Having travelled to Kadavu to do her thesis on the subject of climate change, she said she found many people had forgotten the use of these old traditional methods.

She said that by reviving these methods, passed down through generations, could be used as a safety tool during natural disasters.

“I attended Yat Sen Secondary School and I’m currently a Masters student pursuing climate change studies at the University of the South Pacific,” she said.

“My family have been very supportive and this will carry me through the Hibiscus and give me confidence to represent my family, village and friends.

Originally from Naikeleyaga, Kabara in Lau, Ms Mele will be one of several contestants vying for the 2016 Miss Hibiscus Crown.

She is sponsored by Foneology.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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