Climate change: Fiji's village communities master the relocation!

Climate change: Fiji's village communities master the relocation!

Narikoso, Fidschi - On May 27, 2025, geographers from the Philipps University Marburg reported on a comprehensive study on climate-related relocations in Fiji. The investigations focused in particular on the well -being of the village communities affected by partial settlements. Surprisingly, the results show that many of those affected have had positive experiences, which contradicts widespread assumptions. According to the researchers, these sub -settlements also influence the quality of life of people years later, although the effects are not exclusively negative.

fiji, an archipelago from 332 islands, whereby 110 are inhabited, is forced to move around 50 municipalities by climate change. The study identified various case examples, such as the relocating community of Vidawa on Taveuni, which proactively reacted to storm surges and erosion by initiating a relocation to a safe survey 800 meters away. In Denimanu, on the other hand, the government supported the sub -settlement of 19 households according to the Evan cyclone.

insights into the perspectives of those affected

For the study, the research team used the Q method to identify collective narrative patterns about climate-related changes. Six different narratives from Vidawa and Denimanu were worked out, which reflect different perspectives of the relocated and the remaining. The results suggest that these shared narratives can serve as strategic tools for a human -centered resettlement policy.

In a more comprehensive context, Fiji and other Pacific island states are under pressure to find solutions for adapting to the effects of climate change. This not only includes the resettlement of villages, but also the expansion of renewable energies and the improvement of disaster protection. The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), which has been active since 2011, supports the regions and has developed guidelines for resettlements together with the Fijian government.

climate adjustment and pilot projects

An example of such efforts is the village of Narikoso on the island of Ono, which has to be resettled with 100 residents due to floods. In Narikoso, new houses are built 150 meters from the shore far from the old location, which are supplied with solar energy. Furthermore, the residents are training to adapt agriculture to the changed climatic conditions. These relocations are of national importance and serve as a pilot project for the entire Pacific region, where over ten million people are affected by similar challenges.

The GIZ and other partners also initiated coastal protection measures such as planting mangroves to prevent erosion. These comprehensive activities are part of a climate management that is intended to strengthen the skills of the local population in order to be able to react better to the challenges of climate change. Experiences from the relocation in Narikoso flow into the development of new "guidelines for planned relocations", the aim of which is to successfully organize future relocations. In summary, the study by the Philipps University Marburg and the supportive initiatives of the GIZ and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development shows that a wise planned and needs-based resettlement can not only open up, but also open positive perspectives for those affected.