Understanding climate change vulnerability in Fiji’s informal coastal settlements

Urbanisation across Pacific Island countries has intensified the growth of informal coastal settlements, placing communities at increasing risk from climate change-related hazards, including sea-level rise, flooding, and tropical cyclones. However, there remains a critical gap in community-level assessments that reflect the lived experiences and context-specific challenges of these high-risk environments. This study addresses that gap by applying the Community Integrated Vulnerability Assessment framework to evaluate locally perceived vulnerabilities in Nanuku, an informal settlement in Suva, Fiji. Drawing on community-defined human security concerns and livelihood assets, the assessment reveals that exposure to climate hazards is compounded by insecure land tenure, weak governance structures, limited financial capacity, and infrastructural deficits. These findings demonstrate that vulnerability in informal coastal settlements is shaped not only by climatic stressors but also by socio-institutional conditions that constrain adaptive capacity. By mapping these interconnected dynamics through a participatory approach, the study contributes to the growing body of practice-oriented research on vulnerability in the Pacific, offering actionable insights for community-led adaptation and resilience planning.