Leveraging Vanua: Metaphysics, Nature, and Climate Change Adaptation in Fiji

Abstract

Conceptions of Nature are infused with metaphysical ideas across all cultural systems. This is no less so in Fiji, where ideas of nature are infused with meanings across a rich tapestry of traditional iTaukei beliefs/practices and faith systems. Yet the question of whether these metaphysical ideas offer a means by which communities can harmonise the human and nature relationship, especially in terms of climate change adaptation, remains unexplored. This chapter examines this question by, firstly, outlining the underlying metaphysical systems within Fijian communities, explaining how these metaphysical systems view human/nature relationships. Secondly, we look to how these metaphysical systems are currently acknowledged within Fiji’s climate adaptation policies, focusing on the Fiji National Climate Change Policy (2018–2030) and the Fiji’s Climate Change Bill proposed in 2019. We argue that a more consistent appreciation of the metaphysical content of vanua may help develop more socially relevant adaptation strategies for iTaukei communities.