The effects of climate change is now a reality that Vuaki villagers in the Yasawa are facing.
Two years ago, the beach was 1 to 1.5 metres further out now the sea water has covered that much and is slowly moving in.
This is the harsh reality, 39 year old Vuaki villager, Vilikesa Nacaucauceva and his community in the district of Nacula in the Yasawas are facing.
Coastal erosion caused by the rising sea levels is slowly affecting the coastline of Vuaki village.
WWF-Pacific through its Pacific American Climate Fund project of Strengthening Governance and Building Resiliency of Communities that is funded by USAID carried out tree planting exercise with the community along 300 metres of the village’s coastline.
The planting initiative is one of many rehabilitation efforts; WWF-Pacific has been carrying out with communities in the district of Nacula and its seven villages.
Close to 80 trees species were planted and the trees were recommended and provided by the Ministry of Forestry and the National Trust of Fiji.
For the Vuaki community, the planting initiative was highly appreciated.