MANAVA for Climate: Save Tuvalu, Save the World!
Manava for Climate Resilience is sailing forward into 2025 with Tuvalu as the focus. Tuvalu has been a core part of our Manava sessions from our conception in 2023, and we believe it is our responsibility to prioritise Tuvalu whānau facing greater climate risks. Tuvalu is a lower lying island and has exacerbated climate change threats. Lourdes Vano, one of the leaders in the Manava group says “its our duty within the Pacific diaspora to amplify their struggle”. Ways of helping and amplifying Tuvalu ‘s struggle are part of talanoa that happens at Laka Gallery in Onehunga as well as talanoa on local issues communities face and the many ways to overcome them.
MANAVA for climate resilience session March 2025.
Disrupting the Western mainstream definition of climate activism is important for the Manava group. A printing workshop in November 2024 with artist and Manava participant Numa MacKenzie was a vehicle to amplify climate issues and create strong connections within the Manava group. Stories and insights on climate change and resilience from Manava particpants have been captured on video and shared on different media platforms. These are an opportunity to learn and remind all that people of Te Moana nui-a-kiwa are part of the climate change dialogue.
Printmaking workshop 2024
For Lourdes climate resilience is about being prepared, which aligns with they way our ancestors used to live whereby observation and reaction of your direct environment was part of everyday life. For many people of Te Moana nui-a-kiwa it is an opportunity to learn about ancestral traditions and unlearn Western values around consumption. At the end of the day Lourdes says “we are not inventing anything new”.
This year the Manava group are working towards offering workshops and trainings, focusing on life skills, food security, youth advocacy, and wayfinding. In the meantime check out the MANAVA website that has a wealth of information to help you and your whanau prepare and be resilient.
For more information please get in touch via email: lourdes@pva.org.nz or connect with MANAVA through Facebook or Instagram.
Save Tuvalu, Save the World!