https://fiji.wcs.org RSS feeds for WCS Fiji 60 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16457/Improving-water-quality-and-human-health-through-catchment-management-training.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=16457 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=16457&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16457/Improving-water-quality-and-human-health-through-catchment-management-training.aspx On a sunny Tuesday morning in April 2021, the districts of Namosi, Wainikoroiluva, Veinuqa, and Naqarawai in the interior of Namosi gathered for catchment management training. They met at the newly commissioned Namosi Government Station in Dada, for 2 days of information sharing and deliberation, to identify actions to better manage their catchment to protect their natural water sources.The training, funded by the Watershed Interventions for Systems and Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project, through the Fiji National University and conducted by the Provincial Office and the Provincial Administrator’s Office, was aimed at water and health committees, village headmen, and district representatives. The focus of the workshop was to discuss how catchment management could serve as a tool to protect safe and clean drinking water to rural communities. Results from the 2019 baseline surveys undertaken in the five villages of Navunikabi, Saliadrau, Naqarawai, Wainimakutu and Naraiyawa were shared which included data on the high E. coli bacteria counts found across multiple water sources used by the villages. Given similarities in vegetation types, land terrain and land use patterns within the wider catchment, the results might be representative of the wider area encompassing 18 villages in the Upper Navua region.As stated by the Water Authority of Fiji, water should always be clean without contaminants farming and livestock, and run-off from poorly designed sanitation. During the training, different sector representatives such as the Namosi Provincial Office, Ministry of Regional Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Department of Water and Sewerage, and Water Authority all shared potential solutions on how to address and reduce water source contamination. Using a template from the Water Authority of Fiji, actions plans were developed which included the fencing of animals or water sources to protect contamination from animals, as well as the importance of maintaining 200 meter buffer areas around water sources. Communities considered the condition of their dam and the reservoir – for example, were they in a good working condition? Did they need maintenance? Were there any leakages in the pipeline? And what activities occurred around water pipelines, including if there were leaking sanitation structures near pipelines. The critical roles and responsibilities of water and health committees in maintaining clean and safe drinking water in their communities was highlighted. The training resulted in committees putting together specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-defined solutions which will help promote and maintain safe and clean drinking water in their villages.This blog was produced by Kini Koto, Fiji National University admin admin Thu, 12 Aug 2021 06:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:16457 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16251/Landuse-training-to-improve-watershed-and-community-health-in-the-Bureta-subcatchment.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=16251 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=16251&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16251/Landuse-training-to-improve-watershed-and-community-health-in-the-Bureta-subcatchment.aspx In April 2021, a multi-sectoral training on agriculture, forest conservation, water management and hygiene was conducted for villagers from Lovoni, Vuniivisavu and Nasaumatua villages on Ovalau Island. The training was carried out as part of the Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project. The training addressed knowledge and skills gaps identified by communities and partners during the development of Water and Sanitation Safety Plans in October 2020 for the Bureta subcatchment. The training was led by the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Medical Services, and Forestry, Department of Water and Sanitation, Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, and the Lomaiviti Provincial Council, through the WISH Fiji project. The four-day workshop combined classroom activities with field practical and demonstration. In addition to improving watershed management, the training was supported some of the actions identified in an Ecosystem-Based Management plan that is being developed for the whole of Ovalau Island to manage the island’s natural resources, and to ensure any development for the island is sustainable. The villagers were given an introduction to basic sustainable landuse management. This involved looking at unsustainable landuse uses and provide new approaches and ideas for improving landuse practices. For example, the villagers learnt and discussed the benefits and opportunities for organic farming, including improved human health and livelihood benefits. Currently, there is concern that the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemicals associated with farming, are polluting the natural environment. Farmers in the upper Bureta subcatchment developed a deeper understanding of how development upstream can effect ecosystems and people downstream. Researchers from the Ministry of Agriculture spoke on the different diseases that affect livestock and crops. Participants learned how to avoid introducing crops and animals that are infected. Furthermore, farmers were reminded of the need to prior approvals from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture should they be uncertain of produce and/or livestock that may be infected by pests and/or diseases, including those that may be zoonoses. The Ministry of Agriculture also carried out training on alternative livelihood and income generating ventures such as the production of breadfruit, plantains, cassava and taro flour that can be sold as an alternative to wheat flour. There are health benefits associated with these products because food additives and preservatives are not needed as much as compared to wheat flour produced in factories. The practical and hands on exercises were popular with villagers. Demonstrations were carried out on a number of alternative crop production methods such as tree planting, seed propagation and farming and horticulture techniques. They also learned about marcotting, grafting and budding, fallowing and crop rotation, and agroforestry. The idea was to help communities  increase crop yields from existing pieces of land, to reduce the need for clearing new land or forests for agriculture. The Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry also provided training in how to establish village nurseries. Nurseries can provide a steady source of viable vegetable crops and trees to address food security, livelihoods as well as for the re-establishment of forest cover buffer around zones around primary water sources and rivers. Much of the training focused on the important ecosystem services provided by forests, such as natural water purification and water retention, that are critical especially during the dry season. Moreover, birds, insects and other animals that live in forests perform important ecological functions such as seed dispersal and pollination. The Water Authority of Fiji highlighted the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the dams as well as reservoirs and the distribution pipes, and the key role water committees played in their villages. The WAF Rural Water Unit supervisor Mr Koroi Kakaivalu spoke on the need for water committees to take ownership of the water projects as they were essential for the health and wellbeing of the community. Mr Patere Sionunu from the Department of Water and Sanitation further elaborated on government policies regarding water and sanitation facilities in the communities, and the required criteria from villages to access government assistance. Lastly, the Divisional Health Inspector for Lomaiviti, Ms Margaret Senilawala provided training and shared information on good hygiene and sanitation practices, and the importance of protecting primary and secondary drinking water sources. The villagers were reminded that the messages and practical sessions undertaken through the week contributed to a healthy and comfortable living environment. Overall, this multi-sectoral training provided a unique opportunity for communities to better understand the relationship between watershed health and human health, and arm them with the knowledge and skills to further both those goals.This blog was produced by WCS staff Eferemo Kubunavanua and Mereia Ravoka.  admin admin Wed, 09 Jun 2021 02:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:16251 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14942/Water-safety-and-sanitation-plans-to-enhance-drinking-water-quality-and-reduce-health-risks-for-rural-communities.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=14942 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=14942&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14942/Water-safety-and-sanitation-plans-to-enhance-drinking-water-quality-and-reduce-health-risks-for-rural-communities.aspx While grappling with the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services is continuing to monitor and respond to outbreaks in water-related diseases, particularly typhoid, leptospirosis and dengue fever (LTD). In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold that passed through Fiji in April 2020, the Ministry announced an outbreak in the LTD cases in cyclone affected areas. On 19 August 2020, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Iferemi Waqainabete stated that there were 14 deaths and more than 4000 active cases of LTDs, mostly in the Central and the Northern divisions. Studies, including by scientists with the Watershed Interventions of Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project, suggest that these common waterborne diseases are influenced by a number of interlinked factors including hygiene practices, sanitation, land use practices, ecosystem degradation, and climate change. Ultimately, access to safe water and functional sanitation systems, coupled with improved land-based management practices, can lead to improved health for people and their natural surroundings. WISH Fiji Community Engagement Assistant Mereia Ravoka collects water sample from the community dam for testing. ©WCS/WISH Fiji Since 2018, WISH Fiji has been working with 29 communities in five sub-catchments on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu to take an integrated systems approach to prevent, respond and recover from water-related diseases that can be exacerbated by natural disasters. One of the key processes WISH Fiji uses is Water Safety Sanitation Plans (WSSPs) to assist communities to identify interventions to improve their water and sanitation infrastructure. WSSPs will further identify land management practices (e.g. agriculture, forestry, livestock keeping) that need to be modified or improved to further minimise and prevent disease risk to communities, and ensure ecosystems are healthy and productive. To assist develop their WSSP, key findings from baseline surveys conducted in 2019 will be shared back with each community. The results highlight the risk factors that may influence the prevalence or susceptibility of a community to water-related diseases.Testing water sample. ©WCS/WISH FijiThe WISH Fiji team together with the Turaga-ni-koros (village chiefs), water committees, health inspectors, representatives from the provincial offices, and the community members, will together profile and map the areas and practices that pose health risks. The WSSPs also help identify knowledge gaps and training needs for the community’s water committee members on best water and sanitation practices to help reduce the spread of water-related diseases. WSSPs will be developed in communities within the Bureta, Dama, Dawasamu, Waibula and Upper Navua sub-catchments. admin admin Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:14942 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14653/The-Planetary-Health-Alliance-launches-Planetary-Health-Case-Studies-An-Anthology-of-Solutions.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=14653 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=14653&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14653/The-Planetary-Health-Alliance-launches-Planetary-Health-Case-Studies-An-Anthology-of-Solutions.aspx A Press Release by Planetary Health AllianceThe Planetary Health Alliance (PHA) first issued a call for planetary health case studies to strengthen and expand the field of planetary health in November 2017. After receiving submissions and proposals from organizations and institutions around the world, ten diverse cases were chosen to create a cohesive anthology of examples ranging in thematic area, approach, ecosystem characteristics, and geographic region. Beginning in July 2018, freelance journalist and photographer Hilary Duff traveled around the world, interviewing practitioners, community members, government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders on the front lines of human-caused environmental change and its health impacts. Combining their experiences and knowledge with existing scientific research, the resulting planetary health case studies tell the stories of planetary health in action.Three years later, the PHA is thrilled to announce the launch of Planetary Health Case Studies: An Anthology of Solutions, a free collection of case studies that shares the stories of planetary health in practice worldwide and provides a valuable teaching resource for educators of all kinds. Understanding the implications and applications of planetary health has never been more important than in the age of COVID-19. These case studies invite students to reflect on the realities of people around the world, the complex connections between people and planet, and how the anthropogenic acts of one generation can reverberate through to the next. Each story highlights a regional example of how groups worldwide have used planetary health approaches to address these challenges, including millions of Europeans using a phone app to reduce food waste, women’s groups working in partnership with the Sri Lankan Navy to replant mangroves, and more. Together with Planetary Health: Protecting Nature to Protect Ourselves, a book co-edited by Samuel Myers and Howard Frumkin that will be released in mid-August 2020 (preorder the book here with discount code PLANET), these case studies contribute to the PHA’s goal of supporting the growing, transdisciplinary field of planetary health, as well as educating the public about the existence and importance of local-to-global planetary health solutions for a healthier future. Each case study includes complementary learning objectives and teaching guides written by Dr. Carlos Faerron Guzmán, and direct links to the Planetary Health textbook to support classroom education and planetary health curricula integration. Through powerful firsthand accounts, illustrations, and images, Planetary Health Case Studies: An Anthology of Solutions provides the foundation for communicating complex, interdisciplinary health science into approachable stories and solutions that we hope will inspire citizens, educators, funders, government agencies, NGOs, policymakers, researchers, and students alike.Case studies were written and photographed by Hilary Duff with editing and support from Amalia Almada, Christopher Golden, and Samuel Myers. Teaching guides were written by Carlos A. Faerron Guzmán. The creation of this anthology would not have been possible without the generosity of the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Green Park Foundation, and the administrative support of Brunel University London. admin admin Wed, 29 Jul 2020 23:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:14653 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14256/WCS-bids-farewell-to-conservation-leader-Josaia-Moceinasavu.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=14256 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=14256&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14256/WCS-bids-farewell-to-conservation-leader-Josaia-Moceinasavu.aspx This blog is written by WCS's Community Engagement Officer, Sirilo Dulunaqio in memory of Bu Jo. "You see me now as a conservation champion but you should have seen me back in days when I was the go-to man for resource use," Josaia Moceinasavu told me once as he laughed heartily. A man of great humour, he also shared about the time he sold sand secretly to a developer but then his elders surprised him by choosing him to join the resource conservation team in the village. Whenever we sat down to chat after our formal meetings on the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park, we would reminisce on his stories, and as candid anecdotes were recounted, he would throw in messages of conservation. Bu Jo out in the sea. ©FLMMA Known fondly as Bu Jo, the former spokesperson of the Ra Provincial Office (Mata ni Vanua ni Yasana), will always be remembered for his powerful will and determination to make positive changes, especially when it came to safeguarding the environment.   In his versatile roles as a father, grandfather, great grandfather, loving family man, farmer, village warrior, lay preacher, storyteller, boat master, talented fisherman, spokesperson, a true warrior of the Vanua Nakorotubu, conservation advocate and a mentor, Bu Jo is best described as a humble gentle giant. As a fisherman and a boat master, Bu Jo strongly displayed his passion for conservation and had even named his boat “Qio Ni Toba” meaning “shark of the bay”. His love for the ocean went far beyond fishing. Whenever he was out in the sea, he would call out to other fishers and remind them to not to overfish.Bu Jo points at a village in the map of Yasawa Island Group. ©Miriama Qoro Hailing from the village of Navuniivi, in the District of Nakorotubu in the Province Ra, Bu Jo spent a lot of his time working with the team from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) on resource protection and management within his vicinity. I had my closest encounters with Bu Jo when he was a member of the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park management committee. In negotiating and helping set up the conservation efforts of the Park, I learnt that Bu Jo was a man of his words and he only spoke what was right and could work best for both, his people of Nakorotubu District and his Vanua, the Province of Ra.Normally, around this time of the year, I would be working with Bu Jo and his colleagues on the Vatu-i-Ra students’ education grant. However, due to the global coronavirus disease pandemic we were instead locked in our homes for days and could not meet. It was at this time when we received the sad news of Bu Jo’s passing on Friday, 3rd of April 2020. While we are deeply saddened to bid farewell to Bu Jo, we are grateful to have worked with him and will always cherish his contributions in helping protect Fiji’s natural resource.   admin admin Mon, 25 May 2020 01:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:14256 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13694/Increase-in-numbers-of-ground-nesting-seabirds-on-Vatu-i-Ra-Island.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13694 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13694&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13694/Increase-in-numbers-of-ground-nesting-seabirds-on-Vatu-i-Ra-Island.aspx The content of the blog has been adapted from the contributions of the staff of BirdLife International : Meli Naiqama, Semaema Vakaciriwaqa and Francis Saladrau.Many writers have described Vatu-i-Ra as a rather lonely, uninhabited, rocky little island, lying in the middle of nowhere within the Vatu-i-Ra passage, between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. But the island belonging to the Nagilogilo Clan of Nasau Village, Navitilevu, Ra has been identified as an important bird and biodiversity area for several seabird species by BirdLife International. The Vatu-i-Ra Island is home to nine different types of seabirds with the biggest group being the black noddy (Anous tenuirostris).A view of  Vatu-i-Ra Island after Tropical Cyclone Winston ©BirdLife InternationalOn a rainy Monday of November 2019, a team from BirdLife International and Nature Fiji-Mareqeti Viti took off to Vatu-i-Ra Island with a local guide, Ini, and four others to conduct a survey of the current bird population on the island.  One of the first things that our team noticed was that the island’s vegetation was still recovering from the devastating 2016 Tropical Cyclone Winston. The survey findings suggest that there are high numbers of breeding brown noddies and bridled terns – both ground-nesting birds – with lots of eggs and some chicks evident. Surprisingly, the presence of myna birds were also found on the Vatu-i-Ra Island. There were four jungle mynas and four common mynas on the island. Migratory birds such as the wandering tattlers and ruddy turnstone that are associated with mudflats, also visit Vatu-i-Ra Island.The team from BirdLife International on their way to visit the Vatu-i-Ra Island to conduct a survey. ©BirdLife International. The BirdLife International Pacific Regional Programme Coordinator, Mark O’Brien, who was also part of the survey team and has made several visits to the Vatu-i-Ra Island before the Tropical Cyclone Winston, said the difference on the island was incredible and depressing. “The loss of forest throughout the main area has had a catastrophic effect on the black noddies and it is clearly going to be sometime before the habitat is restored sufficiently for the birds to return to breed in the high numbers of previous years,” Mr O’Brien said. An egg of a seabird on Vatu-i-Ra Island. © BirdLife International However, he said the increase in numbers of ground-nesting seabirds was pleasing and this could have been due to the combination of the removal of ground predators 10 years ago and the increase in the extent of open ground caused by the cyclone. “It is fascinating to observe how the wildlife on the site responds to environmental pressures.” The Vatu-i-Ra Island is important for bird life as they have been breeding all over the island for many years now and it is their home. To ensure that they continue to breed and exist in the future, people should refrain from visiting the island to avoid any disturbance to the birds. To protect the land and marine life on the island and its surrounding waters, the 110.5 square kilometers Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park was established in 2017 through a unique partnership with locally-based tourism operators, dive liveaboard operators, the communities from Nakorotubu District, the Ra Provincial Office, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Fiji Environmental Law Association, and BirdLife International.A view of  Vatu-i-Ra island before the devastating Tropical Cyclone Winston. © Stacy Jupiter Together, these partners developed a management plan to protect the park’s rich biodiversity.  One of the successful activities is the establishment of a voluntary contribution to the park conservation fund that supports the protection of the park and sponsors deserving students from the area for further studies.  admin admin Fri, 10 Jan 2020 01:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13694