Harnessing Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge for Climate Resilience in Fiji : Policy Insights

Overview & Synopsis

Fiji is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing escalating risks from sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation. This report examines how Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK) contributes to climate resilience among iTaukei communities through sustainable natural resource management, disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and food security practices. Drawing on qualitative research conducted across six communities and a review of secondary literature, the study demonstrates that ITK remains a dynamic and adaptive knowledge system embedded in customary governance, cultural values, and intergenerational learning. Examples include tabu marine closures, traditional weather forecasting, cyclone-resilient bure housing, agroforestry, and food preservation techniques that strengthen community resilience to environmental shocks. The report also identifies challenges to sustaining ITK, including urbanization, migration, changing livelihoods, climate variability, and limited protection of Indigenous intellectual property. It concludes that strengthening climate resilience in Fiji requires integrating ITK with scientific knowledge and formal institutions, while supporting locally led adaptation, education, knowledge preservation, respectful engagement, and regional learning. Recognizing and safeguarding ITK can contribute to more inclusive, culturally grounded, and sustainable climate adaptation pathways in Fiji.