Partial planned relocation and livelihoods: Learnings from Narikoso, Fiji

Abstract

Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are vulnerable to climate change impacts, including sea level rise, extreme weather events and other environmental changes. Planned relocation can be an adaptive response to climatic threats. In Fiji, six communities have already relocated. While there is growing interest in planned relocation, there are few empirical case studies from which to learn. Narikoso village, in the Kadavu Province of Fiji, undertook partial relocation in 2020. Drawing on qualitative research (interviews, group discussions, observation), informed by Vanua methodology in 2022, this study examines the impacts of partial planned relocation on people's lives and livelihoods. Seven sustainable livelihood assets – or forms of ‘capital’ – are explored: natural, social, financial, human, physical and cultural, with the addition of spiritual. Our research found that planned relocation altered forms of capital that underpin sustainable livelihoods, leading to both benefits and problems. We argue that planned relocation must not only reduce exposure to climatic and environmental risk, but promote and preserve the integrity of local ecosystems, value continuity of culture and sustain and develop diverse assets that support sustainable livelihoods. This demands deep engagement with climate change‐affected communities to ensure that planned relocations sustain people's livelihoods, dignity and survival.