Crown Princess Mary of Denmark described the displaced Nabavatu villagers in Macuata as “a resilient people who carry with them a powerful human spirit”.

After meeting with the villagers during her visit on Tuesday, the Crown Princess said although she hadn’t experienced extreme weather such as cyclones, she was encouraged with how the Nabavatu people had remained optimistic despite their challenges.

Crown Princess Mary said she grew up in Tasmania, Australia, and moved to Denmark where she now lived, and the impacts of climate change were largely not experienced in those areas.

“It’s difficult to imagine the fear you have experienced and the energy and strength it takes to rebuild your lives again,” she said.

“Since we have been here in Fiji, the whole delegation has felt an extreme resilient and the power of the human spirit in the community to look after each other.

“Our being here is a sign that we are concerned about what is happening in the world and how it affects not only our environment but socially and economically as well.

“So it’s important for us to be here today (Tuesday) to hear your stories for us to understand the hardships you face.

“You have all remained optimistic about the future so everyone has to get involved and stand together in finding a solution to minimise impacts, build resilience and strengthening adaptability.”