Impacts and adaptations to climate change - Lifuka/Ha’apai local community observations and experiences

Submitted by admin on Fri, 12/08/2011 - 01:57.
Villages of Lifuka Island, Kingdom of Tonga
Prior to 2006, the reef that surrounds Lifuka island had always been fully exposed during low tide and provided a source of food for the community. During low tide, women and children were out on the reef fishing everyday. Since 2006, the reef had continuously been fully covered by sea water and no longer exposed even during low tide and the reef has been empty of fishers since 2006. This has implications on the livelihood, environment, economy and social relationships of the local community. Utilising culturally appropriate research instruments, Nofo and Talanoa, Tiaflo Consultancy will train 9 local research assistants to work with five village communities in Lifuka. The research will include documentation of the knowledge, experiences, observations, concerns, practices, coping strategies of the villagers.