In the face of intensifying climate change, Fijian oyster farmers are battling to save their livelihoods. As Fiji's economy teeters on the brink of collapse, women in coastal villages like Vatulele have taken matters into their own hands by learning the lucrative trade of pearl farming.
Gathered at a community hall in Vatulele, these 25 women – including trainee Unaisi Seruwaia, 49 – are determined to break free from their struggles with low pay and underemployment. With an average weekly income of just $66-$88, the stakes are high for these women who have seen their communities ravaged by Cyclone Winston in 2016.
"We sell vegetables or look for income from fishing," says Seruwaia, highlighting the fragility of their economic situation. "It's not easy to live in a village – it's difficult to make money." As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, climate-resistant sources of income are more important than ever.
Rosi Batibasaga, a WCS fisheries officer, warns that Cyclone Winston caused extensive damage to coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds – critical habitats for subsistence and small-scale commercial fisheries. Coastal villages like Vatulele were hit hard, with reduced fish availability, destroyed boats and fishing gear, and sharp declines in household income and food security.
The impact of climate change is being felt acutely in Fiji's troubled seas. Illegal fishing or poaching by foreign vessels depletes fish stocks along coastal waters, putting endangered species like hawksbill turtles at greater risk. In a climate study predicted to see tropical cyclones and extreme floods increase in severity in 2025.
Village resident Vive Digiata, 59, puts it simply: "Before [the cyclone], life was easier. Fish are becoming smaller, and people are switching to canned fish to supplement their food." As the stakes grow higher, these women must navigate the challenges of pearl farming while fighting for a future that's both sustainable and secure.
For Seruwaia and her fellow oyster farmers, the journey is just beginning – but it's one they're determined to complete. With every successful harvest, they'll be fighting not just for their own livelihoods, but for a brighter future for their communities and the planet as a whole.
Gathered at a community hall in Vatulele, these 25 women – including trainee Unaisi Seruwaia, 49 – are determined to break free from their struggles with low pay and underemployment. With an average weekly income of just $66-$88, the stakes are high for these women who have seen their communities ravaged by Cyclone Winston in 2016.
"We sell vegetables or look for income from fishing," says Seruwaia, highlighting the fragility of their economic situation. "It's not easy to live in a village – it's difficult to make money." As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, climate-resistant sources of income are more important than ever.
Rosi Batibasaga, a WCS fisheries officer, warns that Cyclone Winston caused extensive damage to coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds – critical habitats for subsistence and small-scale commercial fisheries. Coastal villages like Vatulele were hit hard, with reduced fish availability, destroyed boats and fishing gear, and sharp declines in household income and food security.
The impact of climate change is being felt acutely in Fiji's troubled seas. Illegal fishing or poaching by foreign vessels depletes fish stocks along coastal waters, putting endangered species like hawksbill turtles at greater risk. In a climate study predicted to see tropical cyclones and extreme floods increase in severity in 2025.
Village resident Vive Digiata, 59, puts it simply: "Before [the cyclone], life was easier. Fish are becoming smaller, and people are switching to canned fish to supplement their food." As the stakes grow higher, these women must navigate the challenges of pearl farming while fighting for a future that's both sustainable and secure.
For Seruwaia and her fellow oyster farmers, the journey is just beginning – but it's one they're determined to complete. With every successful harvest, they'll be fighting not just for their own livelihoods, but for a brighter future for their communities and the planet as a whole.
climate change is literally killin them 
they need 2 find new ways 2 make money 2ws but pearl farming is kinda the answer 
it's a lucrative trade & could b a game changer 4 those coastal villages 
Rosi Batibasaga & co r doin their thang 2 help the communities 
Vive Digiata's point is spot on tho - life used 2 be easier before cyclone Winston 
now it's all about adaptin & makin a change 
! They r doin EVERYTHING in pearls 2 survive & it's like they r gettin paid pennies 4 their work 
. I mean, who wouldn't wanna leave the struggle of fishing & veggies behind 4 a life of farming oysters? But here's the thing – climate change is NOT just affectin them, it's also gonna make it harder 4 ppl all over the world 2 get by 
. It's amazing that they're learning pearl farming & making a decent income from it. $66-$88 might not be a lot, but hey, every little bit counts, right? 
. It's crazy to think that Cyclone Winston already caused so much damage in 2016 & now it's getting worse 
. If they can't even trust their own livelihoods due to extreme weather events, how are they supposed to plan for the future? 
... if Fiji's economy is struggling, what does that say about the rest of the world? Shouldn't we be doing more to support sustainable fishing practices & protect our oceans from pollution & overfishing? 
. And honestly, who wouldn't want to start a new career as a pearl farmer? 
It's like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow 
. The women are doing this for themselves, their families, and their communities... it's all about supportin' each other 
. We should be rootin' for them in all caps 
!
️ I just don't see how this whole sustainable future thing is gonna play out for these folks. And have you seen the stats on tropical cyclones and floods increasing in severity by 2025? Not good 
I mean come on Fiji has some serious climate change issues right now... like literally everything is being affected from coral reefs to fish stocks it's like they're taking one hit after another and still people are finding ways to adapt and fight back like these women who started pearl farming, that's actually really inspiring 
. I guess the government isn't doing much but at least some communities are taking matters into their own hands which is kinda cool 
. Have you noticed how these women are just trying to make ends meet after Cyclone Winston destroyed their livelihoods? It's like, what's really going on here? 
.
.
. We really need to do something about this before it's too late 
. Those hawksbill turtles are in big trouble 
, and we can't just sit back and watch.
. But I'm also super proud of them for fighting for their future 
!
. It's a testament to their resourcefulness and adaptability that they're turning to pearl farming as a means to stabilize their finances 
I feel bad for these women, gotta be super tough living in Fiji with cyclone aftermath still affecting them. They're taking matters into their hands tho, learning pearl farming, it's like, who knew? 
. It's amazing how they're turning a crisis into an opportunity. And I love that they're showing everyone that women can be entrepreneurs too 
! they're turning their economic struggles around by starting pearl farms