Drawing on academic research conducted by the University of Melbourne in Ovalau, Fiji, this event explores the lived realities of climate loss and damage beyond economic impacts, highlighting social, cultural and environmental losses and amplifying diverse Pacific voices at COP31. The proposed event will showcase recently published academic research on climate-related loss and damage experienced by Indigenous communities in Ovalau Fiji and use this evidence to strengthen global discussions on climate justice, adaptation and compensation. The project is founded on a collaborative research initiative undertaken during 2024-2025 on Ovalau Island, Fiji. Supported by the Fairground Foundation, commissioned by the Environmental Defenders Office, and facilitated by the Fiji Environmental Law Association, the research by the University of Melbourne developed new methodology for assessing the impacts of climate change on Indigenous subsistence livelihoods and cultural values. Unlike traditional assessments that focus primarily on economic loss, this methodology captures the significant non-economic losses experienced by Pacific communities, including the erosion of cultural practices and ecosystem services, food security, traditional knowledge and community wellbeing. The research also places an economic cost on the loss and damage and this economic cost will be published in a second paper towards the end of 2026. The approach provides a framework that can be applied across other Pacific Small Island Developing States, such as Vanuatu. First Paper: Moran N.P., Hanea A.M., Lagi R., Kompas T.2026. Current and future climate change impacts on Indigenous lifestyle and cultural values in Ovalau, Fiji. 31(1):38. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-16933-310138

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

Dr Sharyn Goldstien (Director of Science and Expert Advisory at EDO), Dr Rosi Lagi (USP), Dr Anca Hanea (University of Melbourne)