Pacific warriors plan Australia invasion to highlight effects of climate change ABC News Updated Fri 2 May 2014 Pacific Islanders from 16 countries and territories are planning a major sea voyage to Australia later this year as part of a campaign to highlight the effects of climate change. The Pacific Climate Warriors will set sail in September and are expected to arrive in Sydney Harbour in October. Their coordinator, Koreti Tiumalu, has told Pacific Beat the Warriors want to shame Australias fossil fuel industry. The mission is to send a message to the Australian fossil fuel industry that we share the same ocean and the impacts (of climate change) are not only being felt by the Pacific Islands but also Australia, she said. Ms Tiumalu says the group will be targeting the coal industry, sending what she calls a respectful but clear message that the Pacific needs the Australian fossil fuel industry to rethink its plans for expanding coal exports. She says when they arrive they will seek meetings with coal industry representatives and Australian politicians. They also plan to hold speaking events where the Pacific islanders can share their stories of the effects of climate change with Australians. Koreti Tiumalu says the group is hoping to make a spectacular entrance. Theyre busy building traditional canoes which will be transported to Australia and used once the group arrives in Sydney Harbour. Its going to be a history-making event, but one that is so symbolic because the people of the Pacific, this is how they voyaged, Ms Tiumalu said. They voyaged through the Pacific islands navigating their way through by the stars. So its going to be very symbolic and honouring the history, the warrior histories of our people. And what were doing is highlighting the resilience and pride of the Pacific and that history of navigation, the history of preservation and of our people who have lived sustainably for generations, which is all being impacted by climate change. The organisation behind the Pacific Climate Warriors trip, 350 Pacific, has put out a call for donations of seaworthy boats to transport the group, and their traditional canoes, across the Pacific. Ms Tiumalu says fundraising campaigns are underway but any donations would be welcome. She says the group hopes to see many Australians turn out to see them arrive, especially those from Pacific Island communities living in Australia. The voyage to Australia is part of the wider Stand Up for the Pacific campaign, with action days being held around the region. Countries that are part of the campaign include: Papua New Guinea, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands, Federated Sates of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati and Fiji.
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 10:57:14 +0000
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