Some communities on Nguna and Pele islands are planning to move further inland because of rising sea levels.

Sea level rise has become a serious issue affecting coastal villages on both islands, located in the north of Efate. In Unakap village, local leaders say road access is now under threat due to coastal erosion.

Thompson Titus explained that strong cyclones and the rising sea are washing away large trees.
“The big trees are disappearing, and the smaller new ones cannot grow properly,” he said.

Helen Tony, a mother living near the coast, shared how life has changed.
“I live close to the sea. When there is a cyclone, the sea rises and floods our area. It even crosses the main road. We can clearly see the impact of sea level rise,” she said.

The same problem is being felt in Pilliura village on Pele island. Local resident Edward Lani said that community leaders are already making plans to relocate.
“These were places we used to play, but now the sea is coming closer. Last month, we decided we must move to higher ground and find a safe place for people to live,” he said.

Unakap has about 200 residents, while Pilliura has around 150. Rising sea levels and stronger cyclones are part of the climate change challenges Vanuatu and other small island nations are fighting against.

Recently, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion supporting global action on climate change, which Vanuatu has been leading.