Moala Islander Understands Importance Of Mitigation

Sovaia Nawa of Moa­la, Lau, now better understands the im­portance of mitigating cli­mate change effects on her island.

In an interview at Naroi Village, Ms Nawa said cli­mate change was an impor­tant subject that needed to be addressed on the island.

“I think it is about time we start planting mangroves along our shores because our shoreline is washing away,” Ms Nawa said.

“In our village we have a project and that is to have a seawall. A non-government organisation is currently helping us. If we don’t act now then our children will suffer.”

Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau em­phasised the importance of knowing the threat of climate change especially when it was evident during his tour in Lau.

“The frequent disaster, such as cyclones and drought indicates the need not only to be informed, but to be prepared. For coastal communities such as Moala, sea-level rise, coastal erosion and salt water intrusion were threats that are evident,” Mr Koroilavesau said.

“Our task now is to help control and mitigate these problems through a more collective approach.

“While the immediate impact affects marine resources, the sec­ondary problem is that Moala would be vulnerable when disas­ters strike.”

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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