In the Pacific region, the effects of climate change are increasingly severe, characterized by rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, coastal erosion, and changing weather patterns that significantly impact island communities. For nations such as Fiji, cultivating climate resilience is essential not only for survival but also for preserving cultural identity and ensuring future sustainability.
Nimaya Frances Serevi has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against climate change, actively working to translate knowledge into practical solutions for Pacific communities. Recently, she celebrated a major academic milestone by earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change from the University of the South Pacific’s Centre of Sustainable Futures, complementing her earlier achievement of a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, obtained in 2023.
Alongside her academic advancements, 2024 marked joyful personal developments for Serevi as she married national rugby player Tevita Ikanivere and welcomed their son, Tevita Junior. Even amid her new responsibilities, Serevi dedicated herself to her studies, viewing her educational journey as both rewarding and spiritually enriching despite the obstacles. “The journey wasn’t easy at all, but I thank God for bringing me this far,” she shared, credited her family for their unwavering support.
Serevi benefited from the flexibility of an online learning format, which allowed her to balance motherhood and academic commitments effectively. She highlighted the importance of spiritual wellness and a strong support system in fulfilling her aspirations, believing that dedication and divine guidance lead to success.
Currently residing in Japan, Serevi is ready to embrace new challenges as she intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Climate Change from USP following the birth of her second child. Her motivation to craft and implement climate resilience strategies underscores her commitment to addressing climate change not only in Fiji but throughout the Pacific.
Serevi’s journey is emblematic of perseverance and purpose in a time when the region needs passionate advocates for climate action. As she gears up for the next phase of her academic and professional journey, she embodies resilience and a steadfast dedication to protecting her homeland and its future.
With the application period for Semester 1, 2026 now open, prospective students have the opportunity to engage in accredited programs designed to equip them to confront pressing challenges like climate change, further fostering a new generation of climate leaders in the Pacific.