Fiji islanders renovate homes to resist relocation from rising seas

Residents of Serua Island in Fiji are renovating their coastal homes to remain on their ancestral land despite threats from rising sea levels and cyclones.

The community has rejected proposals to move the village to a new location. Residents prefer to stay on the island to maintain their cultural ties and enjoy the local environment, including fishing grounds and views of the Coral Coast.

Avenai Ranuku, a local resident, noted that the community values the fresh air and daily fishing opportunities, which they believe outweigh the risks of living on a low-lying landmass. To address these risks, Serua Village collaborated with Habitat for Humanity in 2025 to create a disaster risk reduction plan. The assessment revealed that nearly 20 per cent of homes on the island are in critical condition.

It also found that more than 50 per cent of houses have unstable foundations and weak joints, making them highly vulnerable to severe weather. The report highlighted that the island lacks natural wave breakers, leading to frequent seawall overtopping and saline intrusion into the soil. Following the report, villagers began physically strengthening their infrastructure. Workers removed flimsy walls and corrugated iron roofing to replace them with more durable materials. Some houses have already been raised to mitigate flood risks.

The village also plans to improve its access point, which currently involves a 750 metre walk across the sea floor during low tide.