A community builds a “bridge”: an example of community-led adaptation to sea-level rise in East Kwaio, Solomon Islands

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Asugeni, Rowena;Redman-MacLaren, Michelle;Asugeni, James;Esau, Tommy;Timothy, Frank;Massey, Peter;MacLaren, David
Abstract

Sea-level rise is negatively impacting many Pacific Islands Countries and Territories. In Solomon Islands, sea-level rise is particularly acute due to current movements, the geography of low-lying islands, and the physical structure and locations of villages on the islands. In East Kwaio, Solomon Islands a community-based response to rising sea-levels has meant that men and women from two villages have worked together to independently fund and build a raised walkway, and build seawalls in areas that are regularly inundated. This article describes community-based action, including the processes involved in building the walkway (“bridge”) and seawalls, and reports a community discussion with women about the impact of sea-level rise. Changes resulting from the bridge and seawalls, along with recommendations for future action, are reported. Local responses to local concerns underpin this community-based adaptation to sea-level rise in Solomon Islands.

Journal

Climate and Development Journal

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Volume

11

ISBN/ISSN

1756-5537

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Issue

1

Pages Count

6

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Publisher

Taylor & Francis

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Date

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1080/17565529.2017.1411239