We need to relook the value of the land and give full value to our natural resources - Lesumai

75-year-old Amelia Lesumai is stressing on the importance to relook at the value of the land and give full value to our natural resources because it is the source of our livelihood.

While responding to a comment on what Vakatabu means for our communities as someone who spent most of her time tilling the land and using natural resources for their livelihood, Lesumai is encouraging everyone to pause, rethink and re-imagine new development pathways in light of the impacts of climate and cultural changes that is happening in the communities.

She says it is very important for the individual to realise the value of the land and the benefits people get from natural resources.

Lesumai who earns an income through her pottery business says the soil is a precious resource to earn from, therefore they do not pollute the piece of land that they get the pottery soil from.

She further says she started her pottery business 50 years ago with the help of her mother-in-law as none of them were working.

Lesumai says the pottery business has helped her support the education of her 8 children.

She creates and sells pottery such as pots, necklaces, vases and bowls and also artistic pieces for display and decoration.

Lesumai says the cost of an item can be between $5 to $20.