Connecting Local Challenges to Global Learning: Reflections from Mabula Village
Written by Apisai Kalivakarua, iTaukei from Fiji, 2nd cohort member of the ICI International Environmental Policy Fellowship Program
Growing up in Fiji, I have seen firsthand how climate change affects island communities that are often far from decision-making spaces. Mabula Village, located on Cicia Island in the Lau Group, faces ongoing environmental challenges due to its isolation and limited access to services and infrastructure. These realities are part of everyday life for the community.
My participation in the ICI International Environmental Policy Fellowship has been a learning experience that has helped me better understand how global discussions are reflected in local realities. One of the most visible issues in Mabula Village is recurrent flooding caused by a poorly maintained community drainage system known as the Dulo Drain. During heavy rainfall, the drain overflows and affects homes, gardens, and pathways, creating disruptions and risks for community members.
As part of my fellowship journey, I began working alongside the Mabula Village Youth Group to better understand this issue and explore what actions could be taken at the community level. We started by organizing conversations and small learning spaces to reflect on the connection between climate change and local environmental problems, and on how community knowledge and collective action can help reduce impacts.
From these conversations, a group of young people decided to get actively involved in cleaning the drain. While this was a simple action, it represented an important first step. Overgrown vegetation and accumulated waste were removed, allowing water to flow more freely. Beyond the physical outcome, this experience helped strengthen participation and a sense of responsibility among the youth.
This process has taught me that even small actions can lead to meaningful change when they are done collectively. As a fellow, I am still learning and recognizing that building community resilience is a gradual process. However, this experience in Mabula Village has shown me that leadership begins with listening, supporting others, and creating space for the community—especially young people—to take part and propose solutions grounded in their own knowledge and realities.
