The Lilisiana community in Solomon Islands’ Malaita Province is facing an urgent and heartbreaking reality as rising sea levels continue to claim their sacred burial grounds.
Three rows of graves have already been lost, and now 22 more graves in the fourth row are at critical risk.
This devastating loss is not merely environmental—it is cultural, spiritual, and deeply personal.
These burial grounds, which hold generations of ancestors, represent loved ones, cherished stories, and vital links to the community’s heritage, now under threat from relentless tides.
The community is bracing for another grim Christmas season, which coincides with King Tides and the start of cyclone season—events that wreak havoc and further threaten the land.
In response to this dire situation and determined to take control of their future, the people of Lilisiana have established the Save Lilisiana! Climate Action Committee, supported by Kastom Keepers, to protect what remains of their burial grounds.
For years, climate programs and projects have come to Lilisiana, but they have often focused on the broader impacts of climate change and relocation narratives, while urgent needs like coastal erosion, a seawall, and grave site restoration have received less attention.
Despite extensive documentation of these challenges, visibility has not translated into meaningful, tangible support for the community.
“We’ve participated in many climate change awareness programs over the years, which are beneficial, but they haven’t addressed pressing issues like coastal erosion,” said Walemola, Chairman for the Save Lilisiana! Climate Action Committee.
Graves site in Lilisiana gradually submerging. Credits: Custom Keepers.
“While relocation may become inevitable, we are now taking action ourselves because we don’t have time to sit and wait for help,” Walemola added.
“How many more graves and how much more of our land must we lose before we receive the support we need? This is our home, and time has run out.”
On Saturday, November 16th, the community began constructing temporary barriers to mitigate the impact of harsh tides while laying the groundwork for a more permanent solution: a sea wall.
“The envisioned sea wall is not just a project; it is a lifeline for our people of Lilisiana,” said Millicent Barty, founder of Kastom Keepers.
“We are restoring diminishing hope, resilience, and our determination to stand together and fight to preserve our cultural heritage, identity and land in the face of climate change. What we need right now is tangible support to make an immediate difference,” Barty said.
Despite their collective efforts, the community cannot achieve this alone. Financial support, resources, and expertise are urgently needed to ensure the long-term protection of Lilisiana’s burial grounds and land.
“Our ancestors rest here, and our people rely on this site for daily activities,” Barty added.
“This burial ground is now our only access to kakama (swamp taro) gardens, sanitation, local materials, and freshwater.
“The double loss we’re facing—of our heritage and our livelihood—is devastating. We’ve come together as a community to temporarily control the situation, but we need help to save what’s left before it’s too late.”
Garves falling into the water as the tide continue to rise. Credits: Custom Keepers.
This is a race against time.
The situation in Lilisiana underscores the urgent and tangible impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. The rising sea is not just eroding land—it is erasing heritage, memory, and identity.
Left to shoulder the burden of this crisis alone, the people of Lilisiana are standing strong, but they need collective support to meet this challenge.
“We thank our community members, Kastom Keepers, and our constituency for the support we have received so far,” said Walemola.
Lilisiana Grave site: Credits: Kastom Keepers.
“Lilisiana’s struggles are not just local—they are global. This is a commitment we are making with our whole hearts.”
The Save Lilisiana! Climate Action Committee is calling on leaders, descendants, supporters, and the global community to rally behind their mission. Contributions, big or small, can go a long way.
How to help? For more information, donations, or inquiries about volunteering and expertise, please contact: Millicent Barty – [email protected].
Community Rally/Work Images:
Building of Timber wall against the tide rising tide.
Youths supporting the community work to protect the sacred site.
Community working togeter to safeguard the sacred site.
A mother helping the community work.
Save Lilisiana! Climate Action Committee (missing 3 female members) and Kastom Keepers team
Kastom Keepers team
