Indigenous Knowledge systems’ role in addressing sea level rise and dried water source: A Fijian case study

Raisele, Kolaia and Lagi, Rosiana (2023) Indigenous Knowledge systems’ role in addressing sea level rise and dried water source: A Fijian case study. Pacific Dynamics: Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 76 (1). pp. 332-353. ISSN 2463-641X

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Abstract

Global responses to the climate crisis continue to focus on Western theoretical perspectives and scientific solutions but overshadow community-based responses by indigenous communities. An effective response to the climate crisis in the Pacific Islands needs the Pacific Islanders' own story and their own response systems. This study will explore the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in addressing sea-level rise (SLR) and dried water sources (DWS) drawing from a case study in Vatutavui village, Fiji. Using the methods of focus group discussion and individual interviews, the study will identify how members of Vatutavui village are responding to SLR and DWS using their Indigenous knowledge and practices. The paper will then weave the findings of this study together with contemporary discourses of social ecological resilience to the climate crisis. We discovered that Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) continue to cement their significance in Indigenous Fijian villages, and it is a foundational response to the climate crisis. Placing emphasis on IKS in addressing the climate crisis in Vatutavui had positive ecological and social cultural implications.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions:	School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE)
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	26 Apr 2023 00:14
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2023 00:14
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/13976

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