Taniela Waka

Malo and Bula!
My name is Taniela Waka, and I am from Fiji. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health from Fiji National University. Currently, I serve as a Senior Research Field Assistant with the RISE Project (Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environment)—a planetary health research initiative operating both in Fiji and Makassar Indonesia. This project focuses on the critical intersection between human health and the environment in informal urban settlements.

With three years of experience in health research, I have been actively involved in community-based fieldwork, data collection, and environmental health interventions that aim to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

I am honored to be a member of the New Generation Youth Council for the Planetary Health Alliance, where I contribute to the Youth Engagement Sub-Committee. I am passionate about empowering young people to play an active role in shaping a healthier, more resilient planet, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and growing through collaboration with like-minded youth leaders around the world.