Varea Romanu

Noa'ia 'e mauri (Hello) and warm Pacific greetings! My name is Varea Romanu, a dedicated indigenous conservationist and climate change practitioner from the remote island of Rotuma in the Fiji Islands. I am also a proud mother of two, whose upbringing amidst the lush natural beauty of Rotuma shaped my deep appreciation for the environment. My childhood, filled with memories of swimming in rivers and the sea, walking bush treks to school or church, and playing among fallen tree branches, instilled in me a lifelong connection to the natural world. As I grew aware of the climate crisis and the existential threat it poses to our homes and livelihoods, I was inspired to dedicate my career to environmental conservation and climate advocacy.

Currently, I serve as the Project and Research Coordinator at the Pacific Island Climate Action Network (PICAN). PICAN is a regional alliance of civil society organizations working collaboratively on climate change in the Pacific. The network unifies civil society voices to strengthen advocacy efforts, urging Pacific Island governments and non-Pacific governments alike to adopt ambitious climate policies and actions. In my role, I support PICAN’s research, advocacy, and project implementation, contributing to the collective goal of protecting our islands and advancing climate justice.

With the support of the JWH Initiative grant, I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Environmental Management at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. My research focuses on "Perceptions of effectiveness of Nature-based solutions for sea level rise impacts; Rotuma Island, Fiji." This academic journey allows me to deepen my understanding of environmental management while addressing the real-world challenges posed by climate change in vulnerable communities like my own.

The JWH grant has provided an invaluable opportunity to refine my research and technical skills, particularly in areas like analysis and problem-solving. It is also helping me enhance my communication, leadership, adaptability, and decision-making abilities—skills that will enable me to make meaningful contributions to environmental conservation and climate advocacy throughout my career.

My dream is a future where our island homes are resilient to the threats of human-induced climate change. I envision future generations living harmoniously with nature, free from the fear of losing their homes, cultural heritage, and vital resources. I am committed to working tirelessly toward this vision, creating a world where our islands thrive, and our communities prosper.