Mere Among Pacific’s Best

by Olivier Jutel

For Mereoni Mili reporting on climate change is both an urgent professional responsibility and a personal matter.

Mili is a proud winner of the COP23 climate journalism competition in which ten outstanding Pacific journalists have been rewarded with a trip to Bonn Germany in November to both report on proceedings and gain valuable experience from the German broadcaster DW. Of the group of ten Mereoni is the sole student journalist with others hailing from top Pacific media.

NDMO Wainibokasi River Bank Protection Project in Nabitu village in Tailevu. Photo: Mereoni Mili

The second year USP journalism student was one of two radio journalists selected for a story on her Grandfather’s village of Nabitu.

Mili’s radio story describes the effects of coastal erosion on the banks of the Rewa as not simply the loss of land for cultivation but a cultural challenge as well.

Speaking of her grandfather she says “the old people are trying to preserve their culture and the identity of the tribe. Our village is one of the most well known villages of Tai Levu, it’s a chiefly village”.

Mili’s passion for radio comes from its potential to tell great stories. “Radio is powerful, it’s a personal connection. Since not everybody will read it’s a very good way to get the information out” she said.

As far as the all expenses paid trip to Germany Mili is understandably excited.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever left Fiji I don’t know what to expect, but I’m really looking forward to the training and meeting people from all over the world”.