Fijians Use Nature's Signs to Predict Cyclones

New Delhi, India Jul 29, 2026 ALN: Creeping yams and bees behaving strangely – in Fiji, farmers read nature’s warning signs to predict hurricane season. This traditional practice highlights the deep connection between indigenous knowledge and environmental observation, showcasing how local communities have adapted to their surroundings over generations.

It’s July, a month when Fijian farmers begin watching wild yams closely. “If they see wild yam vines creeping along the ground, there’s going to be a hurricane in between November and April – the hurricane season,” says farmer Marika Radua. If the vines shoot upwards, it’s unlikely a hurricane will hit, he says. This observation is not merely anecdotal; it is rooted in centuries of agricultural experience and environmental interaction. The yam, an essential crop in Fiji, serves not only as a food source but also as a barometer for impending storms, demonstrating the intricate relationship between agriculture and meteorology in Fijian culture.

In the dense jungle on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, Radua’s farm is a riot of green. Every plant has its place – from rows of delicate lettuce to sturdy taro and cassava. For years, Radua has read the signs in nature to know when and where to plant his crops to ensure they thrive each season. This knowledge is passed down through generations, embodying a form of wisdom that is increasingly recognized as valuable in an era of climate change. The ability to interpret natural signs is a skill that complements conventional agricultural practices, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about planting and harvesting times.

Yam vines are natural indicators of extreme weather, according to Fijian traditional ecological knowledge. This environmental knowledge comprises ancient traditions held and practiced by indigenous peoples. When the vines hug the ground, “they are already trying to protect themselves from the wind. It’s nature,” Radua says. This understanding reflects a broader cultural ethos that values harmony with the environment, emphasizing sustainability and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Many Fijians – especially those from older generations who are more likely to use traditional farming methods – believe other organisms act as natural weather forecasts, such as bananas, bees, and breadfruit. For instance, the behavior of bees is closely monitored; unusual activity can signal changes in weather patterns. Similarly, the flowering and fruiting cycles of breadfruit trees can indicate the timing and severity of approaching storms. These observations are not just practical; they are woven into the cultural fabric of Fijian life, representing a holistic approach to understanding and interacting with the environment.

Before modern technology, environmental indicators like these were used across the world to predict natural disasters. However, in the last century, advancements in technology have transformed meteorological practices. Data from satellites, weather radars, and computers has provided increasingly precise monitoring and forecasting. Despite these advancements, the reliance on technology has sometimes overlooked the value of traditional knowledge, which is often more contextually relevant for local communities.

In the Pacific, communities are returning to ancient wisdom to anticipate extreme weather, enhancing modern methods. Scientific studies and Fiji’s meteorological service are recording these local “early warning signs” of tropical cyclones and flooding. As climate-change-driven disasters pick up pace in the Pacific, traditional knowledge might buy communities more time to prepare. This integration of traditional and modern forecasting methods represents a critical shift in how weather predictions are approached, recognizing that local knowledge can significantly enhance resilience.

In 2024, the Fijian Meteorological Service announced it would integrate traditional environmental knowledge into its scientific forecasting – describing the pair as “a total package.” This initiative marks a significant step towards a more inclusive approach to weather forecasting, acknowledging the expertise that local communities possess. By blending traditional knowledge with modern meteorological practices, the aim is to create a more comprehensive understanding of weather patterns that is accessible to all Fijians.

Fiji follows in the footsteps of Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Niue, and the Solomon Islands – Pacific nations participating in an ongoing project to integrate traditional knowledge in their early-warning systems. This collaboration among Pacific nations underscores the importance of regional solidarity in addressing the common challenges posed by climate change. By sharing knowledge and resources, these countries aim to strengthen their collective capacity to respond to natural disasters.

Siosinamele Lui, the climate traditional knowledge officer at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), an intergovernmental body, says natural indicators are key to helping remote communities prepare for weather events. “In most parts of the world, traditional knowledge and national services are not mentioned in the same sentence,” says Lui. “But in the Pacific, it’s now becoming the go-to. It’s normal practice.” This shift in perspective highlights the growing recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge in contemporary environmental management and disaster preparedness.

Since 2016, the SPREP project has been researching natural indicators, with Pacific islanders reporting early warning signs directly to the Pacific Meteorological Desk via calls, messages, social media, or local climate centers. This grassroots approach empowers local communities to take an active role in monitoring their environment and sharing valuable information with meteorological services. It also fosters a sense of ownership over disaster preparedness efforts, reinforcing the idea that communities are best positioned to understand their unique environmental contexts.

Vanuatu is “leading the way” with an app named ClimateWatch, says Lui. The app has a database of crowd-sourced natural indicators – for example, green turtles nesting further inland suggests a cyclone may be approaching. This technological innovation represents a modern tool that complements traditional knowledge, allowing for real-time data collection and dissemination. However, using traditional knowledge to preempt weather events is not an instant process, says Lui. The integration of these two knowledge systems requires careful validation and research to ensure accuracy and reliability.

“You cannot integrate a data set that’s only five years old with a data set that’s 100 years old. At the moment, most of our monitoring data is not old enough for us to build it into the climate forecast,” she adds. Therefore, the government is studying the correlation of traditional indicators with weather events before building this into their climate forecasting model. This process is crucial for establishing a robust framework that can effectively utilize both traditional and scientific data to enhance disaster preparedness.

However, Lui says that promoting traditional weather knowledge can help people in secluded areas. “To put it in context, you’re looking at the biggest ocean in the world, and you have thousands of islands that are widespread. You don’t have monitoring equipment on every island,” says Lui. This technology is expensive and sparsely located, leading to gaps in meteorological data, she adds. The reliance on traditional knowledge becomes even more critical in these contexts, where access to modern forecasting tools may be limited.

Not everyone will be able to get critical warning information on time, if at all. “That’s where this program comes in,” says Lui. “Whether it’s from the Meteorological Service or whether it’s traditional warning systems. The goal is for people to respond and be prepared,” she says. This integrated approach aims to ensure that communities are equipped with the necessary information to make informed decisions in the face of impending disasters, ultimately saving lives and minimizing damage to property and livelihoods.

In conclusion, the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with modern meteorological practices represents a promising pathway for enhancing disaster resilience in Fiji and the broader Pacific region. By recognizing the value of indigenous wisdom and incorporating it into formal forecasting systems, communities can better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. This collaborative approach not only strengthens local capacities but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage that informs environmental stewardship in the Pacific Islands.