Book chapter
Leveraging Vanua: Metaphysics, Nature, and Climate Change Adaptation in Fiji
Beyond Belief: Opportunities for Faith-Engaged Approaches to Climate-Change Adaptation in the Pacific Islands, pp.59-79
Climate Change Management, Springer
2021
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.
Details
- Title
- Leveraging Vanua: Metaphysics, Nature, and Climate Change Adaptation in Fiji
- Authors
- Francisco Gelves-Gómez (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyShannon Brincat (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Contributors
- Johannes M Luetz (Editor) - Christian Heritage CollegePatrick Nunn (Editor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Publication details
- Beyond Belief: Opportunities for Faith-Engaged Approaches to Climate-Change Adaptation in the Pacific Islands, pp.59-79
- Series
- Climate Change Management
- Publisher
- Springer
- DOI
- 10.1007/978-3-030-67602-5_4; 10.1007/978-3-030-67602-5
- ISBN
- 9783030676025
- Organisation Unit
- Forest Research Institute; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Centre; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; School of Law and Society; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Tropical Forests & People Research Centre
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99522308202621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
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