FELA is pleased to have supported important new research examining the effects of climate change on the livelihoods and cultural values of iTaukei communities in Ovalau.
The study, Current and future climate change impacts on Indigenous lifestyle and cultural values in Ovalau, Fiji, was undertaken by Nicholas P. Moran, Anca M. Hanea, Rosiana Lagi and Tom Kompas. It draws on studies conducted with communities in Ovalau to examine perceived changes in agriculture, fisheries, water security and cultural practices, including veiwasei, social well-being and connections to the Vanua.
FELA helped facilitate the research in cooperation with the Lomaiviti Provincial Office. This included supporting appropriate engagement with the participating communities and helping ensure that the research process respected community expectations, cultural protocols and local decision-making arrangements. The workshops were conducted in the local language, recognising community members as holders of valuable knowledge and lived experience.
The research identifies significant perceived changes across many aspects of community life during the past 20 years. It also demonstrates how Indigenous knowledge and community experience can contribute to understanding climate-related loss and damage, particularly where conventional historical data are limited.
Facilitating independent and responsible research is an important part of FELA’s work. By helping researchers engage appropriately with communities and institutions in Fiji, FELA supports the development of credible knowledge that can inform climate policy, community planning, public awareness and broader efforts to strengthen environmental governance.
The article was published in Ecology and Society, Volume 31, Issue 1, in 2026.
