For 3,000 years Pacific Islanders explored the Pacific Ocean in sailing canoes, settling islands are far apart as Hawai’i, Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aotearoa (New Zealand). The 19thcentury Fijian double-hulled drua is known as the finest ocean-going vessel ever built by any peoples of the Pacific. Some were over 30 metres long and could carry more than 100 people. As a symbol of Fiji’s Presidency, the drua is a reminder to the entire world that we are all in the same canoe when it comes to climate change. No-one is immune to its impact. We are all vulnerable and we all must act. We must fill the sail of this canoe with a collective determination to move the climate action agenda forward. As we sail together in our canoe, we are also challenging our reliance on fossil fuels and seeking clean alternative energy sources.
Mangrove ecosystems are critical to small islands because they provide an important habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Mangroves protect islands from large waves and provide a nursery for marine life. They also prevent erosion in the face of sea level rise and store carbon in their sediments. angrove protection and restoration can also play a valuable role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. During Fiji’s National Climate Change Week (22 – 29 September, 2017), communities and corporate organisations were mobilised to take climate action around Fiji, where mangrove planting played a key role in generating awareness on simple things that could be done for climate action.
The sugar industry has long been a key part of Fiji’s economy. It is the oldest surviving industry in Fiji. But the sugar industry is not just about sugar, it is also about a community of brave immigrants. The Indo-Fijian people were brought to Fiji as indentured labourers to work on the sugar cane plantations and have enriched our nation with their culture. Rapidly changing climatic conditions and the onslaught of torrential rain and harsh droughts threaten the productivity of sugar cane farms throughout Fiji.
Mangrove protection and restoration can also play a valuable role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. During Fiji’s National Climate Change Week (22 – 29 September, 2017), communities and corporate organisations were mobilised to take climate action around Fiji, where mangrove planting played a key role in generating awareness on simple things that could be done for climate action.
stamp issued on 5th FEBRUARY 2018.