Nothing about us without us: harnessing local voices in shaping community-based adaptation in the Pacific

As global temperatures rise, so does the frequency and intensity of severe weather events and their risks to people and assets. These risks are especially acute for Pacific Islanders in urban informal settlements, given their socio-economic vulnerabilities and limited political influence. There is growing awareness that national adaptation strategies may not fully meet the needs of these vulnerable communities, leading to a focus on community-led adaptation. However, these approaches are in their infancy and have been criticised for fostering paternalistic tendencies, prompting calls for external institutions to facilitate rather than direct community initiatives. This research utilises Photovoice, a method recognised for its cultural relevance and ability to amplify Indigenous and marginalised voices. It involves 42 households in Fiji's Greater Suva Urban Area, using resident-led photography and interviews to explore community-based flood adaptation. Through ethnographic content analysis and inductive coding, the study captures residents' experiences and strategies, identifying over 31 unique adaptation measures and underscoring the importance of resources, social networks, traditional knowledge, beliefs, and leadership in enhancing adaptive capacity. The findings demonstrate the complexity of factors influencing adaptation, with resource availability and social capital being crucial. The study advocates for adaptive processes that are community driven, calling for a shift in research and funding to support these programmes in a flexible, responsive, and inclusive manner. It also highlights the need to understand community dynamics to prevent paternalistic practices and integrate local insights effectively, ensuring community self-determination in adaptation efforts.