The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, has handed over a much-needed engine boat to Macuata-i-wai Village in Fiji’s Northern Division, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the community’s resilience and connectivity.
The boat was received by villagers, who said it would greatly improve transportation between the island and Vanua Levu. It will assist residents in taking vegetables to market and transporting drinking water to the village, which currently has no running water.
Tui Macuata and former President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, said the support brings renewed hope to the island, adding that improved access could encourage young people to return home and reconnect with their village and heritage.
The boat handover forms part of Macuata-i-wai Village’s successful access to climate finance under the Communities Climate Adaptation Facility (C-CAF), administered by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM). The village secured a USD$100,000 grant provided directly to the community—without intermediaries—recognising its leadership and readiness to drive its own climate adaptation efforts.
Minister Bulitavu highlighted to the village members that this initiative demonstrates how climate finance can deliver real, tangible benefits at the community level.
“This is how climate finance should work—reaching communities directly and supporting those already facing the impacts of climate change,” he said.
Macuata-i-wai was once home to 20 households, but today only two remain after saltwater intrusion and coastal erosion forced families to relocate. The C-CAF grant will support the restoration of freshwater systems, climate-resilient housing, and livelihoods, helping the community rebuild and adapt to the changing environment.
Two other communities, Narata Village in Nadroga and Vuniudrovu Village in Naitasiri, have also been selected to receive similar grants, with final signing arrangements currently underway. Like Macuata-i-wai, these communities face growing climate pressures and will soon be able to access climate finance directly to implement their own adaptation priorities.
Together, the three communities mark the beginning of a new era in climate action in Fiji—one where financing flows directly to those living with the daily realities of climate change.
For the people of Macuata-i-wai, the grant represents more than assistance; it is an opportunity to rebuild what has been lost and secure a more resilient future.