Climate Relocation Stakeholders Discuss Findings Of The Vakabula Vanua Study

Suva, Fiji –-- Climate relocation stakeholders convened in Suva yesterday to deliberate on the findings of the Vakabula Vanua Process: Insights into the Viability and Possible Applications.

The Insights Report provides an analysis of the insights directly derived from sub-activities undertaken by the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS). These activities aimed to research and analyse the status quo of indigenous lands and kinfolk relationships across 10 communities.

Speaking at the Vakabula Vanua: Endline Workshop at the Suva Civic Centre yesterday, FCOSS President Sepesa Rasili stated that the gathering marked a significant milestone in the project's journey.

“It is the final sub-activity under Activity 1—our research and analysis of the status quo of indigenous lands and kinfolk relationships,” Rasili explained. “Through this activity, we have collaborated with selected communities to assess relocation needs, analyse land ownership and kinship systems, and identify opportunities for the Vakabula Vanua process.”

Rasili noted that these sub-activities included desk research, an inception workshop, community assessments in 10 villages across Fiji, and a mid-term validation workshop conducted between March and June 2025.

“These sub-activities were also implemented to glean insights into the viability and possible applications of the Vakabula Vanua process in select communities under the project,” he added.

“Today, we validate those findings by presenting the final report and community profiles, while also holding critical dialogue on relocation readiness, land, and kinship, and endorsing the pilot community where the process will begin,” Rasili affirmed.

“From here, we move forward into deeper community engagement, government–community systems synergy, advocacy at national, regional, and international levels, and ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and learning.”

He emphasised that each step builds on the last, ensuring that this initiative is not a one-off consultation but a long-term process of empowering communities to lead and sustain their own climate resilience.

Rasili expressed gratitude to the International Climate Initiative (IKI), on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office, through the Climate Diplomacy Action Programme, for their invaluable support.

He acknowledged partners including Brot für die Welt, GIZ, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and the iTaukei Affairs Board.

“Their guidance and commitment ensure that the work carried out under the Vakabula Vanua Project is conducted with both cultural sensitivity and technical rigor,” he said.

The workshop will conclude this afternoon with remarks from the iTaukei Affairs Board Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Josefa Toganivalu.

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