For generations, Fijian communities have relied on coral reefs and mangroves for food, protection, and a sense of community. However, rising climate change threats have made it crucial to assess if these natural resources continue to offer the same benefits and how valuable they are in mitigating climate change impacts (Elison, 2010). Although human-made adaptations have been used to combat climate change, there's a growing interest in nature-based solutions as it can tackle climate challenges more affordably while also delivering a range of benefits for society and nature (Seddon N, 2019). Since communities continue to benefit from these resources, it's essential to investigate whether sustainable management practices are in place to ensure their continued support for future generations.
WCS and East Carolina University are working together on a National Science Foundation project to study the significance of coral reefs and mangroves in selected communities in Bua Province (Figure 1). They are investigating how environmental changes, human activities, and management practices affect the ability of mangrove-reef ecosystems to protect communities during tropical cyclones. The research aims to understand how factors like ecosystem adaptation capacity, people's views on ecosystem services, and past cyclone experiences influence the choice of adaptation strategies in community-led and government-led approaches.
Figure 1: Map of targeted survey sites.
The research focuses on understanding the benefits of coral reefs and mangroves, including their role in providing essential resources, ecosystem services, and support for adaptation strategies. It also explores how the frequency, intensity, and impact of cyclones influence local communities' involvement in adaptation initiatives and their priorities for action. Additionally, the research investigates the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to cyclones and how adaptation measures can be tailored to address these vulnerabilities. It also examines how cyclones affect the availability and distribution of ecosystem services and aims to understand if adaptation strategies can help these services recover from cyclonic events.
The WCS team has finished conducting key informant surveys, household surveys, and focus group discussions in all target areas. The data collected has been submitted for analysis and reporting. The research findings will be published and shared with the communities. The findings of this research can help the communities in informed decision making, improve adaptation strategies, enhance resilience, and help communities develop sustainable practices for managing their natural resources, ensuring their long-term availability. It can also empower communities to take ownership of their natural resources and play an active role in their conservation and management. Overall, this research can help communities build a more sustainable and resilient future by better understanding and utilizing their natural resources.
Figure 2: WCS Staff member conducts a focus group mapping exercise at one of the targeted sites.
References
Elison, J. C. (2010). Vulnerability of Fiji's mangeoves and associated coral reefs to climate change. A Review. Suva, Fiji: WWF South Pacific Office.
Seddon N, C. A. (2019). Understanding the value and limits of nature-based solutions to climate changeand other global challenges. Philosophical Transactions B, 375: 20190120. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0120