Communication and engagement To introduce and promote engagement in the consultations, the Commission prepared letters for provincial administrators. This relationship – and understanding of the Commission’s work on human rights and climate change – was strengthened through face-to-face meetings with the Turaga-ni-Koro and other community members in the villages the Commission visited. The Commission documented the consultations through regular Facebook posts, featuring photos and videos of the people and the villages they visited. Media engagement and social media content will be developed to support publication of the Commission’s report of the consultations, expected in the second half of 2023. Outcomes Through this project, the Commission has gathered a substantial body of evidence to document the challenges and aspirations of Fijians living in coastal, rural and maritime areas. The concerns of these communities vary. For example, those living in coastal areas or alongside rivers said that rising sea levels and king tides were a constant challenge. Seawater enters and pools in the village area, destroying crops, damaging village infrastructure and dwellings, and spoiling freshwater wells. For communities in inland areas, the priority issues related to protection of traditional burial grounds and the impact of soil erosion, especially during heavy rains, from areas that have been heavily logged. In all communities, people noted that traditional livelihoods were under threat. Despite these challenges, communities held deep reservations about the prospect of relocating their villages. They expressed grave concerns about the loss of connection to their land, the loss of their cultural heritage and traditions, and the loss of their livelihoods. Recording these challenges, and the importance of giving voice to the concerns of communities, is the primary outcome of the Commission’s national activity. The Commission will use the information shared to advocate for a human rights-based approach to be integrated into the laws, policies and climate change actions of government. Another outcome was to build understanding and awareness within communities on human rights and climate change, including in relation to the Climate Change Act. The Commission ensured this information was presented clearly, using accessible language, and relevant to its audience. Outputs Through the national activity, the Commission: ● ● ● Prepared accessible information on human rights and climate change, including on the Climate Change Act, to be shared with local communities Completed questionnaires with 185 individuals from 27 villages, across eight provinces Compiled a library of photos and video materials that can be used for the Commission’s climate change education and awareness activities. - 15 -