Rotuman Roots Inspire Fijian Climate Advocate Varea Romanu

A childhood spent exploring the natural beauty of Fiji's Ovalau island has fueled Varea Romanu's passion for environmental conservation and climate resilience. Romanu, who has Rotuman heritage and Indo-Fijian maternal ties, grew up in the chiefly village of Levuka-Vaka-Viti, developing a profound connection to the environment through her childhood spent by the water.

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I was always in the water. Swimming with my friends and spending entire days in the creek, even if it meant catching colds and earaches during the school holidays.

Her academic journey led her to study Environmental Science at the University of the South Pacific, followed by postgraduate studies in Climate Change and a current Master's in Environmental Management. Romanu's research specifically targets nature-based solutions to combat coastal erosion in Rotuma, aiming to bolster community resilience against climate change impacts. She notes that environmental issues at USP were not abstract but reflected the tangible experiences of Pacific communities, such as coastal erosion and changing weather patterns.

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At USP, environmental issues weren’t abstract. They reflected what our communities were already experiencing, from coastal erosion to changing weather patterns and declining reef health.

Romanu currently serves as the Project Coordinator for Oxfam in the Pacific's Women POWER (Pacific Oceanic Women Enhancing Resilience) project. This initiative champions women's leadership in climate resilience and community decision-making across Pacific Island nations, recognizing that strong communities are built on the foundation of recognized women's voices and knowledge.

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Resilient communities are built when women’s voices, knowledge and leadership are recognised.

She also volunteers with iTaukei Women in Conservation, promoting coral restoration and environmental awareness. Romanu believes that combining traditional knowledge with scientific approaches is key to effective environmental protection. As a wife and mother of two, her commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations is deeply personal, driving her conviction that connecting science with community action leads to sustainable change.

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When you have children, you think about the world they will inherit. The oceans they will swim in and the communities they will grow up in. That’s why this work matters.