https://fiji.wcs.org RSS feeds for WCS Fiji 60 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26249/Youth-Empowerment-Initiative-Brings-Business-Skills-Training-to-Navunievu.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=26249 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26249&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26249/Youth-Empowerment-Initiative-Brings-Business-Skills-Training-to-Navunievu.aspx Thirty (30) youths from Navunievu took part in a week-long Business Management and Bookkeeping Training conducted in the village last week, aimed at empowering young people with the skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen their involvement in community development. The training is part of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, which focuses on reducing fishing pressure by creating alternative income-generating opportunities for rural communities. Throughout the training, participants were introduced to key areas such as business management, bookkeeping, leadership, cooperative operations, and proper record keeping. The sessions also encouraged youths to explore ways in which they can work together to improve their economic well-being through cooperative businesses. Suliasi Nalotawa, who is the Chairman of the Navunievu Youth Cooperative, said the training helped him better understand his roles and responsibilities as a leader within the cooperative. He said the training gave him a clearer understanding of what a cooperative is, how it should be managed, and the by-laws involved in operating one successfully. Nalotawa added that the training also highlighted some of the challenges cooperatives may face and provided guidance on ways to address those challenges. “The training has enabled me to understand the proper ways and methods of operating a cooperative,” he said.   He also acknowledged the importance of teamwork and accountability in ensuring the success of the youth cooperative moving forward. Youth member Sitiveni Naikocoa said the training would greatly benefit youths who have left school by giving them the knowledge and confidence to start small businesses and earn an income for themselves. He said the training highlighted the importance of being part of a cooperative and described it as an eye-opener for many of the participants. Naikocoa added that participants learned the importance of proper record keeping and note-taking, which would help them monitor their progress and achievements as a business cooperative. “We are now able to understand the different types of record keeping and the importance of noting everything down so that by the end of the year we can see what we have achieved as a cooperative,” he said. Participants also shared that the training gave them motivation to become more active in community initiatives and encouraged them to think about long-term goals for the future of their cooperative. Assistant Manager Training North, Miriama Savunisiga said the training would help alleviate poverty among youths in rural communities by equipping them with practical business knowledge and skills. She said empowering youths through such initiatives is important in creating sustainable opportunities and helping communities become more self-reliant.   The training concluded with participants expressing their appreciation for the opportunity and their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to strengthen the Navunievu Youth Cooperative and support future community development initiatives. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the International Institute of Sustainable Development and funded through Global Affairs Canada. -ENDS- Tabua, Milika Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26249 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26241/Women-of-Navunievu-empowered-through-Business-Bookkeeping-Training.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=26241 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26241&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26241/Women-of-Navunievu-empowered-through-Business-Bookkeeping-Training.aspx In the coastal communities of Bua, where tradition and livelihood are deeply intertwined, a recent training initiative is helping women turn cultural knowledge into sustainable economic opportunity. Earlier this month WCS had conducted a Business Management and Bookkeeping Training for the women of Bua District, aimed at strengthening their ability to manage three emerging cooperatives: the Waitabu Women’s Cooperative, Bainivalu Women’s Cooperative and the Tacilevu Women’s Provisional Cooperative Limited. At the heart of their enterprise is kuta (reed), a natural resource long valued in the province for its cultural and practical uses. Kuta products ranging from traditional wedding attire and ceremonial garlands to home décor and woven mats are not only symbols of identity but also a growing source of income for local families. With the right business skills, these women are now better positioned to transform their craftsmanship into sustainable livelihoods. Tacilevu Women’s Provisional Cooperative Limited Vice Chair, Vaseva Leba, acknowledged the impact of the training, “This training has enlightened us and given us the knowledge and skills needed to run a cooperative,” she said. “We sincerely thank Global Affairs Canada for their financial support, which has made this possible. It will help us understand how to operate a business effectively, generate income, and improve our standard of living.” For many participants, the training went beyond financial literacy. It also reawakened cultural pride and collective purpose. Participant Tarusila Veibi shared how the sessions reinforced the importance of kuta to the women of Bua. “This training has helped us understand the significance of the kuta plant, which Bua has always been known for,” she said. “It has revived traditional weaving knowledge among women and reminded us of the importance of working together as members of a community.” The initiative targets resource-dependent Indigenous communities in the Bua District, where livelihoods often rely heavily on natural resources. By creating alternative income streams through cooperative businesses, the initiative aims to reduce fishing pressure on marine protected areas and minimize the risk of poaching. At the same time, it promotes climate-resilient economic activities and expands opportunities for women and youth. Ministry of Commerce and Business Development Assistant Manager Training, Miriama Savunisiga, emphasized that the benefits of such training extends beyond financial gains. “It helps develop essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, as members work together toward a common goal,” she explained. “Cooperative training is a key pathway for communities to move from poverty to economic stability. It strengthens self-sufficiency, creates job opportunities, and ensures that income stays within the community.” She added that empowering women and youth in leadership and management roles is critical. By overcoming social barriers and fostering stable incomes, families are better able to invest in education, meet healthcare needs, and build more secure futures.   As the women of Bua continue to weave kuta into intricate designs, they are also weaving a new narrative one of resilience, cooperation, and economic empowerment rooted in tradition. This initiative is part of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, implemented in partnership with the International Institute of Sustainable Development and funded by Canada’s International Development through Global Affairs Canada.   Tabua, Milika Sat, 30 May 2026 01:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26241 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26080/Vatu-i-Ra-Seascape-Communities-Strengthen-Climate-Action-at-Peer-Learning-and-Knowledge-Exchange-Event.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=26080 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26080&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/26080/Vatu-i-Ra-Seascape-Communities-Strengthen-Climate-Action-at-Peer-Learning-and-Knowledge-Exchange-Event.aspx Community representatives from across the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape have strengthened their commitment to climate adaptation and conservation following a three-day peer learning and knowledge exchange workshop convened by WCS-Fiji. Vatu-i-Ra Seascape community reps with WCS Staff and Stakeholders during the Peer Learning Event at Studio 6. More than 50 participants representing Nakorotubu, Dawasamu, Namalata, Dama, Kubulau, Bua, Bureta and Lovoni districts gathered alongside officials from the Ministry of Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, and the iTaukei Affairs Board. The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of nature-based solutions, strengthen inclusive climate action, and chart practical pathways for community-led environmental stewardship. The event provided a platform for communities to reflect on progress, share lessons learned, and identify areas for improvement in ongoing conservation and adaptation efforts. Project Assistant, Fuka discussing implemented project work on the ground with the Bureta District Reps. Building knowledge and inclusive climate leadership Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, participants explored how Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles can be applied in local decision-making. Sessions focused on strengthening inclusive approaches to climate adaptation, integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge with science-based planning, and enhancing cross-community learning. Group Discussions amongst members of the Ra community reps during group work. The peer exchange was designed not only to review project implementation under CAPA and Kiwa WISH+, but also to build leadership capacity at the district level and deepen partnerships for long-term ecosystem-based management. Day two placed special emphasis on communication, visibility and storytelling. Participants examined how sharing community experiences can build broader support for nature-based solutions. A highlight was a district group proposal-writing exercise, where representatives developed practical project concepts and presented them to their peers for feedback, equipping communities with skills to mobilise support and resources from the ground up.   Ra Community Rep skimming through nursery manual (left). Lovoni District Reps group discussions. (right). Learning from the field The final day featured field visits showcasing successful local models of conservation and sustainable land use. At the Kalokolevu Biodiversity Forest, participants observed a thriving example of community-led forest stewardship. Managed by residents, the forest demonstrates how collective care for biodiversity protects native species, restores ecological balance, and provides long-term benefits for surrounding communities. The visit reinforced the importance of local ownership in conservation and inspired district representatives to replicate similar initiatives in their own villages. The group also visited the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute, a centre for agricultural education and innovation. There, participants were exposed to both traditional and modern farming systems, including poultry, piggery and dairy production, crop rotation, greenhouse farming and fruit tree cultivation. The institute’s programmes highlight how sustainable agriculture can enhance livelihoods, strengthen food security, and build resilience to climate change. Day 3 Field Visit to Kalokolevu Biodiversity Forest and to Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute. Empowering communities to lead Concluding the three-day workshop, participants had consolidated key lessons on community-led conservation, sustainable land management, and the care of reforested and protected areas. Nasaga Village Headman, Noa Bole sharing his views regarding the project implementation that has been done on Bureat District during the Peer Learning Event at Studio 6. Nasaga Village headman Noa Bole of Bureta District described the event as “eye-opening,” saying it broadened his understanding of local nature-based solutions and strengthened his ability to support proposal development at the community level. As a young leader, he said he valued the opportunity to learn from other districts, particularly on the importance of embedding traditional knowledge within conservation efforts. Combining peer exchange, field experience and practical skills development was intended to empower attendees to return home as advocates for sustainable development. Strengthened stewardship at the district level, they said, will contribute not only to healthier forests and farms, but also to improved livelihoods, food security and long-term environmental resilience. The workshop is part of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, implemented in partnership with the International Institute of Sustainable Development and funded by Canada's International Development through Global Affairs Canada. The workshop was also a part of the Kiwa WISH+ Project under the Kiwa Initiative which is funded by the European Union in the Pacific La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada AFD - Agence Française de Développement Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.   Tabua, Milika Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26080 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25677/WCS-Fiji-Hands-Over-New-Community-Enforcement-Vessel-to-Kubulau-and-Dama-Districts.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=25677 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25677&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25677/WCS-Fiji-Hands-Over-New-Community-Enforcement-Vessel-to-Kubulau-and-Dama-Districts.aspx Empowering Local Communities to Protect Marine Resources and Combat Illegal Fishing. Kubulau and Dama Districts, Bua Fiji – The Wildlife Conservation Society Fiji Program is proud to announce the handover of a new enforcement vessel to the District of Kubulau and Dama. This crucial addition to the local community's efforts marks a significant step in strengthening the protection of marine resources within the Districts of Kubulau and Dama and will enhance the ability of Honorary Fish Wardens and the Natural Resource Management Committee to monitor and enforce fishing rules, safeguard Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and promote sustainable fisheries.   Kubulau Enforcement and Dama Enforcement Vessels. For years, both districts have faced increasing challenges from illegal poaching within their traditional fishing grounds, or iQoliqoli, threatening local biodiversity and food security. The new vessel will provide the necessary tools to local patrol teams, enabling them to respond more swiftly to violations and expand their reach, ensuring the long-term health of the district's marine environment. Paulo Kolikata, Kubulau District Natural Resource Owners Committee Leader receiving the Kubulau Enforcement Vessel at Kiobo Village. “We have been struggling for years with the absence of a patrol boat, which delayed our efforts to protect our iQoliqoli from poaching,” said Paulo Kolikata, leader of the Kubulau Natural Resource Owners Committee. “With this new vessel, we now have the means to patrol our waters and send a strong message to poachers. We’re confident this will help us protect our iQoliqoli areas for the benefit of future generations.”   Kubulau and Dama Enforcement Vessels. The vessel will also support the management of the community’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), ensuring they remain safe from illegal fishing and other unsustainable practices. The enforcement vessel’s impact will be felt across both Kubulau and Dama districts, as the surrounding communities work together to protect their vital marine ecosystems. Chief of Kubulau District, Ratu Ravulolo Vasukibau during the Kubulau District Enforcement Vessel handover at Kiobo Village. Ratu Ravulolo Vasukibau, Chief of Kubulau District, expressed his gratitude for WCS’s ongoing support: “With the handover of this Enforcement Vessel, we are now better equipped to patrol our iQoliqoli waters. This will play a crucial role in safeguarding our Marine Protected Area and ensuring the preservation of our marine resources for future generations. This initiative not only strengthens our ability to monitor and protect our waters, but also highlights the importance of sustainably managing our marine resources, reinforcing their deep connection to our identity as a community.” Dama District Representative, Vilive Vuinasova receiving the Dama Enforcement Vessel during the handover at Dama Village. The importance of the vessel also extends beyond enforcement to supporting long-term marine health and food security, says Vilive Vuinasova, the Dama District Representative: “Our marine resources have faced numerous challenges, from illegal fishing to unsustainable practices, and for a long time, we lacked the proper equipment to manage and protect our iQoliqoli areas. With this new vessel, we now have the means to safeguard both our iQoliqoli areas and our Marine Protected Area from illegal poaching. This vessel will significantly improve our ability to protect our waters, and in time, we expect to see a 'spill-over' effect where marine life thrives, meaning we won’t need to travel as far to fish in the future.”   WCS-Fiji Country Director, Paul van Nimwegen signing over the Kubulau Enforcement Vessel to the Chief of Kubulau District (green shirt) Ratu Ravulolo Vasukibau and also signing over the Dama District Enforcement Vessel to the Chief of Dama District, Ratu Jovesa Tagivetaua (yellow shirt). WCS’s commitment to the safeguarding marine biodiversity aligns with the goals of Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries. Nacanieli Bola, Fisheries Technical Officer for Bua, highlighted the alignment with national objectives: “This vessel will greatly assist the committee in protecting our iQoliqoli boundaries from non-licensed fishermen and poachers, including those coming from other villages or even areas like Suva. It supports the Ministry of Fisheries' goals of enforcing fishing regulations, promoting the sustainable use of marine resources, and reducing illegal fishing activities.” Chief of Dama District, Ratu Jovesa Tagivetaua during the Dama District Enforcement Vessel handover in Dama Village. Finally, Ratu Jovesa Tagivetaua, Chief of Dama District, emphasized the cultural and environmental significance of the vessel’s handover: “With this enforcement vessel, we are empowered to carry out our responsibility to both our ancestors and future generations. This vessel will allow us to monitor our Marine Protected Area more effectively, reduce illegal fishing activities, and encourage sustainable practices. It also aligns with our broader vision of preserving the balance between our people and the environment.” Tabua, Milika Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25677 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25376/Fijis-Coral-Reefs-Show-Remarkable-Recovery-After-Category-5-Cyclone.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=25376 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25376&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25376/Fijis-Coral-Reefs-Show-Remarkable-Recovery-After-Category-5-Cyclone.aspx New study finds coral reefs in Fiji showed remarkable recovery just four years after Cyclone Winston’s devastation Hard coral cover and community composition rebounded to near pre-cyclone levels by 2020, supported by strong fish populations Findings highlight the resilience of high integrity climate-resilient reefs and offer hope for coral survival in a warming world Photo: Tom Vierus ©WCS-Fiji SUVA, FIJI (20th October) - A new study led by WCS, University of the South Pacific, and partners has found that coral reefs in Fiji showed remarkable resilience after being battered by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. Despite losing more than half of their hard coral cover on average, reefs rebounded within four years, reassembling to nearly their pre-cyclone condition. The study, out now in Coral Reefs, analyzed 18 reef sites across two large barrier reef systems in Fiji before, immediately after, and four years following the cyclone. Researchers documented a 54% relative loss in hard coral cover in 2016, primarily branching and plating Acropora and a corresponding increase in rubble and turf algae. By 2020, coral and community composition had recovered significantly, underscoring the resilience of Pacific reefs with high connectivity and strong ecological foundations. “This study shows that even after catastrophic damage, some reefs can bounce back if local conditions are favorable,” said Dr. Amanda Ford, lead author from the University of the South Pacific. “Our research also shows just how valuable long-term monitoring is for understanding reef resilience. By tracking reefs before, during, and after one of the strongest cyclones on record, we were able to see how coral communities can recover when ecological conditions are strong.” The team used long-term survey data and wave modeling to link reef damage with cyclone exposure. Sites directly in Winston’s path lost up to 91% of hard coral cover, while less exposed reefs fared better. Importantly, all sites showed strong signs of recovery by 2020, supported by high levels of herbivorous fish biomass and larval replenishment from surrounding reefs. Findings show that not all reefs respond equally to extreme events, and that identifying and prioritizing high-integrity, climate-resilient coral reef sites is essential. “This research is both timely and critically important given that Fiji is currently developing its National Action Plan for Coral Reefs. It sends a powerful message - local communities are essential to the successful management of our coral reefs,” said Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai, co-author, Pew Marine Conservation Fellow, and member of the Fiji National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation. The National Hub brings together expertise from government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and scientists to act as an expert advisory body for government, including the identification of concrete actions to safeguard Fiji’s reefs into the future. “Emerging science from this study can help pinpoint places where conservation investments will have the greatest impacts,” said Paul van Nimwegen, WCS Fiji Country Director. “WCS is proud to be facilitating the development of the country’s first National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change under the guidance of the National Hub. These new findings reinforce and validate our approach of working hand in hand with government and communities to support ecosystem-based management and marine protected areas that build the resilience of Fiji’s reefs.” The lessons from Fiji’s recovery are helping to inform broader global strategies for conserving high integrity climate-resilient coral reefs: “We are finding more and more examples from both marine and terrestrial realms around the planet where ecosystems that start from high integrity baselines, in terms of having robust structure, function and composition, can withstand and recover even from large climate shocks,” said Dr. Stacy Jupiter, co-author and Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Global Marine Program. “At a time when the news about coral reefs is often doom and gloom, these findings give us hope and cause to continue to invest in coral reef conservation in places we believe stand a strong chance to persist even in a rapidly changing climate.” Data collection for this paper was supported by a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant, the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, and the RESCCUE Project funded by the French Development Agency and the French Global Environment Facility and implemented by the Pacific Community. Fiji’s National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation and National Action Plan are supported by the Global Environment Facility through the GEF-7 Coral Reef Rescue Project: Resilience Coral Reefs, Resilient Communities Project. WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world’s largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth’s known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. Its four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium ) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org. Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: +1 (347) 840-1242. Listen to the WCS Wild Audio podcast HERE. Tabua, Milika Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25376 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25200/Communities-Empowered-in-Northern-Fiji-through-Financial-Literacy-and-Business-Governance-Workshop.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=25200 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25200&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25200/Communities-Empowered-in-Northern-Fiji-through-Financial-Literacy-and-Business-Governance-Workshop.aspx Financial Literacy Training participants. Empowering communities for a resilient future and advancing marine conservation efforts, close to 50 community representatives from the provinces of Bua, Cakaudrove, and Macuata successfully completed a four-day intensive Livelihood and Finance Literacy Training Workshop, aimed at strengthening local capacities in financial management, sustainable livelihoods, and effective business governance. Held from July 15-18, 2025, at Wailevu Village, Labasa, the workshop was a collaborative initiative led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in partnership with ANZ Fiji, with support from the Macuata Provincial Council Office. The workshop, funded by the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) Project, was designed to empower communities to better manage their resources and foster resilient livelihoods, ultimately contributing to the conservation of Fiji’s vital coral reef ecosystems. "Empowering our communities with practical skills in financial literacy and business governance is fundamental to building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening their ability to adapt to environmental challenges," stated Ms. Neelam Bhan, Project Coordinator for the GEF Coral Reef Rescue Project at WCS Fiji. “This workshop has equipped participants with the knowledge and tools not just to improve their personal and communal financial well-being, but also to make informed and inclusive decisions that benefit their communities and the precious marine environment they depend on.” ANZ Fiji led two full days of comprehensive financial literacy sessions as part of their MoneyMinded Business Basics program. These interactive modules covered essential topics such as planning for the future, budgeting, making money last, distinguishing needs from wants, and assertive financial decision-making. "As the secretary of our women's business group, this training helped me see the importance of being firm with financial decisions," shared Ms. Veniani Dinuku from Namalata Village, Bua Province. "In our Fijian culture, generosity can affect how we operate businesses, but to grow and be sustainable, we must prioritize budgeting and making smart choices even with family." Mr. Ilisoni Taginadavui, Secretary of the Nasawana Youth Cooperative, added, "This training has broadened my knowledge, particularly in bookkeeping and budgeting. It has helped me understand how to better manage income and identify areas where the business may be losing money, so we can improve overall efficiency and profitability." The latter half of the week, facilitated by WCS and supported by the Department of Co-operatives, Macuata, focused on critical areas including Business Governance, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Gender Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion (GEDSI). Participants engaged in practical exercises such as forming their ventures, pitching ideas, and defining their mission statements to achieve their vision. Additionally, setting core values like integrity, teamwork, objectivity, confidentiality, and growth, and establishing practical codes of conduct for ethical business operations "In this training, I've learned how to grow our businesses using local resources as our main product, while also finding alternative ways to earn a living," stated Ms. Teonila Dikai from Raviravi Village, Bua Province. "This helps ease the pressure on fishing and allows us to protect and sustain our natural resources at the same time." Mr. Seru Moce, NROC of Macuata Province and a Member of the National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation from Mali Island, Labasa, shared his appreciation: "I’m grateful to WCS-Fiji for the opportunity to facilitate this finance literacy training, bringing in community representatives from across the Bua, Cakaudrove, and Macuata Provinces. Managing money is often a challenge, but this training gave us practical tools to do better. The National Hub is also crucial; it helps protect our coral reefs by bringing communities and experts together to share knowledge and find better ways to care for our ocean for future generations.” The establishment of the National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation signifies Fiji's important step in safeguarding its globally significant coral reefs, serving as a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing that will guide conservation decisions at all levels. About the GEF Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) Project: The GEF CRR project is implemented by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF-US), with the University of Queensland (UQ) as the lead execution agency and the WCS as the national technical facilitator in Fiji (in-country lead). The GEF CRR Project contributes to the Global Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (CRRI), a global multistakeholder partnership focused on safeguarding coral reef ecosystems threatened by climate change. The GEF 7 CRR project is working to safeguard globally significant climate refuge reefs in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, Madagascar and Tanzania. About ANZ’s Money Minded program: This initiative is part of ANZ’s flagship financial wellbeing programme MoneyMinded which aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to better manage their finances. Developed in Australia in 2003, MoneyMinded Pacific was adapted and tailored for the Pacific region in 2010 and is now delivered across 24 countries.  MoneyMinded Business Basics is an extension of the program specifically aimed at for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Neelam Bhan Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25200 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25049/Monitoring-For-Impact-Tracking-Fish-Stocks-in-Fijis-No-Take-and-Fished-Areas-CAPA-Initiative.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=25049 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25049&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25049/Monitoring-For-Impact-Tracking-Fish-Stocks-in-Fijis-No-Take-and-Fished-Areas-CAPA-Initiative.aspx As part of our ongoing support for community-based marine resource management, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Fiji conducted biological surveys from the 30th of October to 5th December 2024, through the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative. These surveys took place across the districts of Bua, Bureta, and Nakorotubu, to monitor the status of fish stocks within community-designated no-take areas (tabu) and fished areas within their traditional fishing grounds (‘iqoliqoli areas”). WCS aims to gather evidence that supports local rightsholder decision-making by assessing the effectiveness of management strategies and informing adaptive approaches that underpin food security and safeguard coral reef systems. Figure 1. Map of surveyed sites in A) Nakorotubu, B) Bua, and C) Bureta Fishing Grounds. Science Data Collection Our team used the UVC Belt transect method to assess fish populations in no-take and fished areas, documenting the abundance and biomass of key fish families such as Acanthuridae, Scaridae, Lutjanidae, and Serranidae. Alongside fish surveys, benthic cover was also recorded using point intercept transects to evaluate conditions of the reef substrate, including coral general, macroalgae, rubble, and sand. This helps provide context for how reef structure and complexity influence fish distribution. Figures 2 & 3. Field team conducting underwater surveys and entering data on MERMAID (https://datamermaid.org/). Local Monitoring, Local Action Findings of these surveys are currently being analysed and will be presented back to the communities in each district, in participatory feedback sessions, where communities can reflect on trends, identify priorities, and refine their management plans. These assessments were carried out with the strong participation of community representatives, which strengthens capacity at the village level and fosters greater ownership of conservation outcomes. A Climate Resilient Future As marine ecosystems across Fiji are facing increasing pressure from climate change and anthropogenic activities, coral reef monitoring is needed to sustain qoliqoli areas. These surveys provided science-based evidence to help communities adapt their management strategies to ensure climate-resilient sustainability. WCS-Fiji continues to work along the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape communities as they lead the way in reef stewardship, demonstrating that locally driven, science-supported conservation is a powerful path forward. This work is made possible through the Climate Adaptation Protected Areas (CAPA) initiative, with support from Global Affairs Canada. ENDS-     Janice Taga Tue, 19 Aug 2025 21:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25049 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24768/Nature-based-Solutions-take-root-in-Lovoni-Bureta-with-8000-trees-planted.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24768 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24768&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24768/Nature-based-Solutions-take-root-in-Lovoni-Bureta-with-8000-trees-planted.aspx Lovoni, Ovalau – Over 8,000 fruit and native tree seedlings have been planted in the Lovoni District of Levuka, Ovalau as part of a reforestation initiative led by the WCS in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry. The planting marks a significant step under the Kiwa WISH+ Project, which promotes nature-based solutions to build climate resilience across Fiji, Solomon Islands and PNG. Fruit trees planted in Bureta. The trees ranging from native hardwoods to various fruit-bearing species. The effort aims to reduce erosion and sediment runoff impacts on downstream coral reefs, as well as creating sustainable food sources for local communities. Reforestation is a key strategy in addressing the effects of climate change. The Ministry of Forestry's involvement in this initiative supports its long-term national goal of planting 30 million trees in 15 years, with a strong focus on sustainability, resilience, and community engagement. Forestry Officers using the Clino to ensure straight planting rows. Ratu Akuila Gaunavou, a 56-year-old member of the chiefly family in Lovoni Village, welcomed the intervention. Akuila Gaunavou 56, Lovoni village member.  “I’d like to acknowledge the Ministry of Forestry and WCS for taking the initiative to plant these trees on our land,” he said. “It is important to plant trees so that it will beautify the environment and help our soils regain its fertility.” He also emphasized the community’s appreciation for the inclusion of diverse tree types. “We had been wanting a variety of fruit tree seedlings planted on our land, and we are thankful that WCS and the Ministry of Forestry heard our request,” he added. This initiative is part of the Kiwa Initiative, funded by the European Union in the Pacific, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Affaires mondiales Canada), the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is implemented in partnership with the University of Sydney, The University of Queensland, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. For more information on the Kiwa Wish+ Initiative visit: https://kiwainitiative.org/en/ ENDS- Tabua, Milika Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24768 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24824/Wainiveli-receives-first-water-dam-after-60-years-of-struggle.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24824 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24824&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24824/Wainiveli-receives-first-water-dam-after-60-years-of-struggle.aspx WAINIVELI, FIJI — For the first time in 60 years, the remote settlement of Wainiveli in the District of Lovoni, Ovalau has a stable water source, thanks to the construction of a new water dam. This marks a historic moment for the community, which has faced persistent water shortages for decades.                                                                                                   Wainiveli Dam.                                                                                                                          Wainiveli reservoir. The new dam was officially unveiled recently, bringing much-needed relief to residents who have long relied on nearby streams for their daily water needs. "I've been living here for 56 years, and the water problem has always been an ongoing issue," said 76-year-old Vilisi Bulilagi, a lifelone resident of Wainiveli. We were always fetching water from the nearby streams for cooking, washing, cleaning, and drinking. It has been hard all these years, and now we can finally be at ease." Vilisi Bulilagi 76, Wainiveli resident. WCS, which led the construction in collaboration with the Water Authority of Fiji, selected Wainiveli as one of its project sites as part of a larger effort to enhance climate resilience and community health in the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape. "I would like to acknowledge the development taking place in Wainiveli, the construction of the dam and thank the Wildlife Conservation Society for choosing our settlement," Bulilagi added. -Ends Tabua, Milika Thu, 17 Jul 2025 03:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24824 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24805/WCS-Fiji-donates-Kuta-Cultivation-Equipment-to-Bua-village.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24805 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24805&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24805/WCS-Fiji-donates-Kuta-Cultivation-Equipment-to-Bua-village.aspx Bua, Fiji – WCS has handed over essential kuta (freshwater reed) cultivating and harvesting equipment to the women of Bua village, marking a significant step towards supporting community livelihoods while ensuring the sustainable use of kuta. WCS-Fiji's Livelihoods Officer, Isoa Koroiwaqa (front right) is handing over the harvesting equipment to the Women of Bua. Maraia Bibi, the 65-year-old Chair Lady of the Yasi Boi Yawa Women’s Cooperative, expressed gratitude for the initiative. The cooperative is the first women’s group in the village to register as a cooperative, signifying progress in women's empowerment and economic independence. Maraia Bibi, 65 Chairwoman of the Yasi Boi Yawa Women's Cooperative. The Kuta plant has a deep cultural significance to the community. The initiative by WCS aims to introduce sustainable farming methods while offering a new income-generating opportunity for women in the village. Kuta Equipment. “I am grateful for the awareness by WCS for bringing to light some ideas in which kuta can be farmed and commercialized as a source of income generation for us women in this village,” said Bibi. However, she also emphasized the need for diversification, stating, “I hope this does not end here; I hope that this women’s group finds alternative sources of livelihood and does not rely heavily on kuta, ensuring we do not run out of it as it holds cultural significance to us.” Kuta readily made by the women of Bua.  The equipment will not only aid in the cultivation and harvesting process but also empower the women of Bua to take control of their economic futures. “This is a step forward where we women feel like we can stand on our own and make decisions, something that is not always the case in Fijian society where men traditionally make such decisions,” said Bibi. The initiative has brought the women of Bua together, but Bibi also hopes it will extend further to engage the youth in kuta farming and conservation efforts. Following the donation to Bua village, a second set of equipment was also handed over to the village of Navunievu. This initiative is part of the CAPA Project, which aims to promote sustainable use of natural resources while strengthening local livelihoods. -Ends-   Tabua, Milika Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24805 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24774/Nature-based-Solutions-take-root-in-Lovoni-Bureta-with-8000-trees-planted.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24774 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24774&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24774/Nature-based-Solutions-take-root-in-Lovoni-Bureta-with-8000-trees-planted.aspx Lovoni, Ovalau – Over 8,000 fruit and native tree seedlings have been planted in Lovoni District of Ovalau as part of a reforestation initiative led by the WCS in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry. The planting marks a significant step under the Kiwa WISH+ Project, which promotes nature-based solutions to build climate resilience across Fiji, Solomon Islands and PNG. Fruit trees planted in Lovoni. The trees ranging from native hardwoods to various fruit-bearing species. The effort aims to reduce erosion and sediment runoff impacts on downstream coral reefs, as well as creating sustainable food sources for local communities. Reforestation is a key strategy in addressing the effects of climate change. The Ministry of Forestry's involvement in this initiative supports its long-term national goal of planting 30 million trees in 15 years, with a strong focus on sustainability, resilience, and community engagement. Forestry Officers using the Clino to ensure straight planting rows. Ratu Akuila Gaunavou, a 56-year-old member of the chiefly family in Lovoni Village, welcomed the intervention. Akuila Gaunavou 56, Lovoni villager “I’d like to acknowledge the Ministry of Forestry and WCS for taking the initiative to plant these trees on our land,” he said. “It is important to plant trees so that it will beautify the environment and help our soils regain its fertility.” He also emphasized the community’s appreciation for the inclusion of diverse tree types. “We had been wanting a variety of fruit tree seedlings planted on our land, and we are thankful that WCS and the Ministry of Forestry heard our request,” he added. Fruit trees seedlings This initiative is part of the Kiwa Initiative, funded by the European Union in the Pacific, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Affaires mondiales Canada), the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is implemented in partnership with the University of Sydney, The University of Queensland, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. For more information on the Kiwa Wish+ Initiative visit: https://kiwainitiative.org/en/ ENDS- Tabua, Milika Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24774 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24601/New-Patrol-Boat-boosts-Fight-Against-Poaching-in-Bureta-District.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24601 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24601&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24601/New-Patrol-Boat-boosts-Fight-Against-Poaching-in-Bureta-District.aspx Bureta Enforcement Vessel @WCS-Fiji Bureta, Ovalau — Efforts to protect marine resources in Bureta District have received a major boost following the donation of a patrol boat by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The long-awaited vessel will help local authorities enforce fishing regulations and combat illegal poaching in the district’s traditional fishing grounds (iQoliqoli). Poaching in protected tabu areas has been a persistent challenge for the community, threatening the health of the marine ecosystem and undermine local food security. With the new patrol boat, local leaders say they are now better equipped to monitor and safeguard their community-based marine protected areas (MPAs). Right: Chief of Bureta District Ratu Jone Davila and WCS-Fiji Country Director Paul van Nimwegen signing the Bureta Enforcement Vessel ownership form. @WCS-Fiji. “We have been experiencing poaching in our iQoliqoli area,” said Ratu Jone Davila, Chief of Bureta District. “Now that we have a boat to conduct patrols, it is of great use to us and will make work easier when conducting patrols. One major challenge was that there was no proper boat for us to do this with.” The community has maintained MPAs for the past five years, and the benefits are already being seen. “We have seen the spillover effect happening, and this also helps us to sustain marine species for future generations and let them know the importance of having protected areas,” Ratu Jone added. “I would like to acknowledge the Wildlife Conservation Society for this generous initiative in donating a boat to help with our patrols.” The new vessel will allow patrol teams to cover wider areas more frequently and respond faster to reports of illegal fishing activity. In the past, the lack of adequate transport left the MPAs vulnerable, especially during peak fishing seasons. “This boat will help us in enforcing the patrols in our fishing grounds and marine protected areas,” said Aisake Vakaloloma, 31, a Fish Warden in Bureta. “It’s been a long-standing request for us to have a boat to help with our Fish Warden work. This will reduce poaching that happens in our iQoliqoli areas and marine protected area.” Vakaloloma also emphasized the importance of community support and cooperation. “This is not just about having a boat — it’s about working together as a district to protect our resources, educate others, and ensure our ocean continues to provide for us all,” he said. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which has been active in Fiji for years, continues to support communities like Bureta in strengthening community governance and promoting sustainable fishing practices. By equipping local guardians with the necessary tools, WCS aims to empower indigenous knowledge and leadership in conservation. With the patrol boat now in operation, the people of Bureta are optimistic about the future of their coastal resources and remain committed to safeguarding their waters — not just for today, but for the generations yet to come. Tabua, Milika Wed, 28 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24601 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24588/National-Hub-for-Coral-Reef-Conservation-NHCRC-Workshop.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24588 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24588&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24588/National-Hub-for-Coral-Reef-Conservation-NHCRC-Workshop.aspx Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation   Participants at the Coral Reef Rescue Project Workshop. SUVA, Fiji – In a significant step toward safeguarding Fiji’s marine ecosystems, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, with support from Wildlife Conservation Society, convened a National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation (NHCRC) Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue today to advance the formulation of Fiji’s National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation (NAPCRC). Held in Suva, the dialogue brought together a diverse range of stakeholders—including government representatives, marine scientists, conservation organizations, traditional leaders, and community-based practitioners—to provide input into the country’s overarching coral reef conservation strategy. The NAPCRC is envisioned as Fiji’s central advisory committee for guiding coral reef conservation efforts, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, science-based planning, and community leadership. The workshop served as a platform for refining draft thematic areas that had previously been developed through consultations facilitated by the NHCRC. “This platform provides a unique opportunity to unpack critical issues and shape a national plan informed by those doing the real work on the ground,” said Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. “The diverse knowledge in this room—from policy experts to community leaders—is what will make this Action Plan practical, resilient, and genuinely Fijian.” Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr.Sivendra Michael delivering his speech at the Coral Reef  Rescue Project Workshop. Dr. Michael noted the critical need for clarity around legal mandates, especially concerning marine species trade, environmental impact assessments, and baseline ecological data collection. He stressed that many existing policies lack mechanisms for consistent data-sharing and community feedback, resulting in a disconnect between national planning and local realities. “Let’s not lock ourselves into timelines—let’s lock ourselves into a process that is inclusive and well-informed,” Dr. Michael emphasized. “If we want this Action Plan to work, it must be grounded in what communities know, what scientists have proven, and what government can realistically support.” Discussions also highlighted the role of technology, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D coral mapping, to bridge communication between national agencies and communities. Such innovations, paired with traditional ecological knowledge, are seen as essential tools for strengthening marine spatial planning and decision-making. As the workshop concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing coral reef conservation as a national priority, not only for biodiversity protection but also for the health, food security, and economic well-being of Fijian communities. The Ministry will continue to lead the coordination of follow-up consultations through the NHCRC to finalize the NAPCRC, with the goal of presenting a unified, community-driven strategy at international forums later this year.   Tabua, Milika Fri, 23 May 2025 23:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24588 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24239/Oceania-Planetary-Health-Forum.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24239 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24239&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24239/Oceania-Planetary-Health-Forum.aspx Nature-based Solutions: Restoring Ecosystems, Strengthening Communities In the heart of Oceania, communities are harnessing the power of nature to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and enhance public health. Dr. Aaron Jenkins, Associate Professor in Planetary Health and Sydney Horizon Fellow at the University of Sydney, emphasized the importance of these "Nature-based solutions," which he described as more than just technical interventions. "They're partnerships with the living world," he explained. "And in Oceania, this partnership is guided by generations of indigenous knowledge and stewardship." He made these remarks during the Oceania Planetary Health Forum held at the Shangri-La resort in Sigatoka from the 25th-28th February 2025. The aspect of Nature-based Solutions Nature-based Solutions (NBS) focus on protecting, sustainably managing, and restoring ecosystems to address societal challenges. In the Pacific region, these initiatives take many forms—from mangroves that buffer storm surges to coral reefs that support fisheries and upland forests that safeguard freshwater supplies. "These solutions work because they reflect what we know to be true," says Dr. Jenkins. "When ecosystems thrive, people thrive." The Pacific Islands, known for their rich natural and cultural diversity, are particularly vulnerable to climate change and biodiversity loss. However, indigenous communities possess invaluable ecological knowledge that offers insights into sustainable practices. The region also grapples with the "triple burden" of disease—infectious diseases like malaria, non-communicable diseases such as obesity, and climate-induced health impacts—further highlighting the need for innovative, sustainable solutions. Key Principles for Success Implementing effective nature-based solutions requires more than good intentions. Research and experience have established four essential guidelines: 1. Contextual Integration – Solutions must be tailored to the unique environmental, social, and economic conditions of each location. "What works in the reefs of Fiji won't necessarily be the same as what's needed in the forests of Papua New Guinea," Dr. Jenkins noted. 2. Biodiversity Enhancement – Maintaining biodiversity is crucial for resilience. "Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of human well-being," he stressed. 3. Inclusive Governance – Indigenous communities must lead these efforts. "Nature-based solutions can't succeed without the leadership of those who have lived in and cared for these environments for thousands of years." 4. Long-Term Sustainability – Projects must endure beyond their initial implementation. Adaptive management and ongoing monitoring are critical to ensuring continued success. Real-World Impact Across the Pacific Pacific Island communities are already demonstrating the power of Nature-based Solutions: · Fiji: Local communities restore mangroves, not only as a barrier against coastal erosion but also as a habitat for fish and crabs, improving food security. · Vanuatu: Coral reef restoration projects help sustain marine biodiversity and fisheries. · Papua New Guinea: Reforestation efforts mitigate erosion, protect freshwater sources, and reduce health risks.                                                    Dr. Alice Latinne- WCS Melanesia Regional Project Coordinator  Photo: © WCS-Fiji/ Milika Tabua Dr. Alice Latinne, Melanesia Regional Project Coordinator for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), highlighted the urgent need for conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island, an area experiencing some of the highest deforestation rates in the country. "Manus is a key biodiversity area, home to several endemic species, yet it's under serious threats," she explains. Through the Kiwa WISH+ project funded by the Kiwa Initiative, WCS has been working with local communities for over a decade, implementing conservation agreements that prevent logging in exchange for community benefits. "By restoring forests, we not only protect biodiversity but also reduce climate vulnerabilities and safeguard public health," Dr. Latinne added. Preliminary findings from environmental monitoring show that watersheds with lower levels of deforestation are characterized by better water quality, while areas with higher deforestation levels show poorer water quality. The Road Ahead As Nature-based Solutions gain momentum, three critical factors must guide future efforts: 1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Scientists, policymakers, public health experts, and community leaders must work together. 2. Scalable Models – What succeeds in one village should be adapted and expanded across the region. 3. Robust Monitoring & Evaluation – Measuring the impact of these initiatives ensures they remain effective and adaptable. Although the term "Nature-based Solutions" may seem new, the concept is deeply rooted in indigenous traditions. "Resilience isn't built alone," Dr. Jenkins reminded us. "It's built together—with nature, and through our relationship with it." As the Pacific region continues to lead by example, the rest of the world can look to these island nations for inspiration in using Nature-based Solutions to tackle some of our most pressing challenges. -Ends- Tabua, Milika Fri, 28 Feb 2025 04:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24239 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24234/DISES-Drivers-of-Ecosystem-based-Adaptation-to-extreme-events-in-mangrove-reef-social-ecological-systems.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24234 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24234&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24234/DISES-Drivers-of-Ecosystem-based-Adaptation-to-extreme-events-in-mangrove-reef-social-ecological-systems.aspx 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   Ana Ciriyawa Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24234 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24233/Coral-Reef-Rescue-National-Hub-Launch.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24233 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24233&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24233/Coral-Reef-Rescue-National-Hub-Launch.aspx Fiji Launches Fiji National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation On 21 June, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), took a significant step forward in safeguarding the country's coral reefs with the official launch of the Fiji National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation or NHCRC. The event was held at the Peninsula International Hotel in Suva. Fiji boasts a wide variety of coral reef systems – including fringing, platform, pinnacles, submerged, barrier, oceanic ribbon, atolls, near-atoll, and drowned reefs covering 4,550 km2. These reefs are vital for underpinning food security and our economy – supporting both inshore fisheries and tourism. Fiji's reefs teem with life, with over 1075 species of fish calling them home. Despite their importance, these ecosystems face constant threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, who officially launched the NHCRC, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated and comprehensive action to protect these vulnerable ecosystems. "The NHCRC represents a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing that will guide conservation decisions across all levels," he stated. The hub will serve as a national coordination and advisory committee consisting of experts, decision-makers, and community representatives. Dr. Michael underscored the Hub's strategic alignment with Fiji's national strategies, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), National Ocean Policy (NOP) 2020-2030, and the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP) 2020-2025. “The Fiji National Hub will play a crucial role in operationalizing these policies by facilitating knowledge exchange, building technical expertise, and supporting community-led adaptation initiatives," he explained. The NHCRC will be positioned under the National Ocean Policy Steering Committee (NOPSC) and report to the National Climate Change Coordination Committee (NCCCC). The NHCRC ensures seamless alignment with Fiji's national sustainability and climate action goals. This integrated approach ensures the Hub's activities are directly relevant to Fiji's broader development objectives. The launch event drew a diverse group of stakeholders representing various sectors. Community representatives shared their vision for the Hub as a tool for empowering local communities, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing, raising awareness, and providing guidance on effective management strategies. They advocated for inclusive governance that respects and integrates traditional knowledge. Dr. Michael stressed the importance of inclusivity, gender balance, and representation from diverse sectors in the Hub’s operations. "This is a Hub for all of Fiji. The Hub will comprise of representatives from every sector: CSOs, NGOs, academia, the private sector, government bodies, local communities, indigenous groups, and our international partners," he added. The NHCRC is an outcome of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded Coral Reef Rescue (CRR) Project: Resilient Coral Reefs, Resilient Communities. The CRR project is aimed at strengthening capacity for the long-term survival of climate refuge coral reef ecosystems. By Neelam Bhan -ENDS- Tabua, Milika Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24233 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24232/Ecosystem-Based-Adaptation-Knowledge-Exchange-Workshop.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24232 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24232&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24232/Ecosystem-Based-Adaptation-Knowledge-Exchange-Workshop.aspx [Suva, Fiji]- The Knowledge Exchange on Ecosystem Based Adaptation or EbA two-day workshop in Suva was hosted by the Government of Fiji in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva. Fiji is on the front line of the climate emergency. Rising sea levels and intensifying cyclones threaten coastal communities and infrastructure, while erratic weather patterns is disrupting agriculture and drinking water supplies. These impacts have the potential to devastate local economies and uproot entire communities. EbA is a cost-effective climate change solution that leverages nature's defences. By restoring and managing ecosystems these impacts can be reduced, enhancing community and economic resilience. This might include protecting and regenerating mangroves or provide buffering against coastal inundation. EbA can also help safeguard our globally significant biodiversity. The Knowledge Exchange is exploring the potential application of EbA in Fiji. It was attended by representatives from organisation that include the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, WWF, Conservation International, IISD, USP, UNOSAT, members from various project communities beneficiaries district representatives and the Ministry of Finance. Permament Secretary for Environment, Dr. Sivendra Michael. Guest speaker at the event, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Sivendra Michael, highlighted that EbA offers a smart and sustainable way to tackle these problems. “Since EbA uses nature-based solutions without spending much money, acting as a shield against climate issues while also helping nature and people. For example, mangroves protect coasts from storms, coral reefs give homes to sea creatures and help local fishing, and forests manage water and reduce extreme weather effects, securing water for communities,” says Dr Michael. The importance of EbA to Fiji's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) was stressed, highlighting its role in enhancing resilience to climate change through integrated approaches. It was noted that the NAP emphasized the need for sustainable management of ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs to reduce vulnerability to climate hazards. Partnerships with organizations like WCS-Fiji and IISD were highlighted as being crucial for successful implementation. WCS Fiji's efforts in on-the-ground conservation and community engagement were commended, as were IISD's contributions to policy development and knowledge sharing. Overall, EbA is seen as essential for Fiji's sustainable development and resilience-building efforts. Dr Michael stresses the need for commitment to advancing EbA for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, highlighting collaboration and knowledge sharing as key. WCS-Fiji Landscape and Watershed Manager, Ms Akanisi Caginitoba emphasized the need to prioritize EbA for climate resilience and biodiversity in Fiji, highlighting the collective effort required to overcome climate challenges. Encouraging active involvement, urging everyone to work together towards a resilient Fiji where both people and nature thrive together.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          -ENDs-   Tabua, Milika Wed, 22 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24232 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24212/Climate-Adaptation-and-Protected-Areas-Inception-Launch.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=24212 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24212&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24212/Climate-Adaptation-and-Protected-Areas-Inception-Launch.aspx CAPA Initiative to boost gender-sensitive nature-based solutions for people and nature Approximately 12,300 people will benefit from the Climate Adaption and Protected Areas (CAPA) Initiative that was launched this week at the Holiday Inn, Suva. This aims to implement nature-based solutions that respond to climate change and biodiversity impacts in Fiji. The initiative's major objective is to restore landscapes, as well as encourage community conservation areas and sustainable fishing – all of which help to keep ecosystems healthy and support community well-being. The CAPA Initiative will work in twenty communities across the provinces of Ra, Lomaiviti, Tailevu  and Bua. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Fiji Program Landscape and Watersheds Manager Akanisi Caginitoba says the implementation of this project will be done in close collaboration with government and other partners. “The primary focus of the inception workshop is to highlight the importance of collaborating with national and local authorities to support the project's implementation. To that end, we have a range of government officials who will assist us in this endeavor, as well as local communities in the various areas we will be collaborating with." WCS-Fiji is implementing this project in partnership with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), being funded through the generous support of La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada For more information on the CAPA Initiative please visit the following link: https://www.iisd.org/capa/fiji Tabua, Milika Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24212 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18134/WISH-to-address--Water-Related-Disease-Risks-Climate-Resilience-and-Biodiversity.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=18134 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18134&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18134/WISH-to-address--Water-Related-Disease-Risks-Climate-Resilience-and-Biodiversity.aspx Through systems health and Nature-based Solutions approaches, the Watershed Interventions for  Systems Health Plus (WISH+) project, funded under the Kiwa Initiative, will deliver co-benefits for  climate resilience, biodiversity and human health and well-being.    More than 3,000 Fijians will benefit from improved watershed management under the Watershed Interventions  for Systems Health Plus (WISH+) project, which was launched today at the Holiday Inn in Suva.  Dr. Stacy Jupiter, Regional Director with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), said that WISH+, as part  of the Kiwa Initiative, will focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to improve resilience to climate sensitive  diseases and protect biodiversity in upstream watersheds and downstream coral reefs in the Vatu-i-Ra  seascape.  “Through WISH+, WCS and our partners from the University of Sydney and University of Queensland will  work with government and communities to reduce the incidence of water-related diseases in high risk  watersheds. Management actions will also improve access to clean water, support biodiversity conservation,  and strengthen climate resilience and livelihoods in coastal communities,” she said.  The Kiwa WISH+ regional project will be implemented at key sites in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New  Guinea and will run through June 2026.  In Fiji, project sites will be in watersheds on the islands of Vanua Levu and Ovalau. The project team will also  design tools to help design and finance portfolios of watershed interventions to optimise co-benefits for  biodiversity, climate and human well-being. About the Kiwa Initiative - The Kiwa Initiative - Nature-based Solutions (NBS) for Climate Resilience aims to build the resilience  of Pacific Island ecosystems, communities and economies to climate change through NBS by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity. It is based on simplified access to funding for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation actions  for local and national governments, civil society and regional organisations in Pacific Island States and Territories. The Initiative is  funded by the European Union, Agence française de développement (AFD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australia's Department of  Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It has established partnerships  with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Oceania Regional  Office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). For more information: www.kiwainitiative.org Photo: Kiwa WISH+ Launch group photo_Photo credit Parijata Gurdayal © Kiwa Initiative – 131022   Parijata Gurdayal Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18134 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18135/WISH-Fiji-Reduces-Water-Related-Disease-Risk-Facilitates-Access-to-Cleaner-Water.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=18135 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=18135&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18135/WISH-Fiji-Reduces-Water-Related-Disease-Risk-Facilitates-Access-to-Cleaner-Water.aspx Through a systems approach to watershed management, the Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project has provided access to cleaner quality water for over 5,000 residents and has helped reduce the risk of water-related disease in 29 communities across five watersheds in Fiji.   Over the past four years, the WISH Fiji project has worked to transform environmental and public health action from reactive to preventative, while improving systems health of coastal watersheds to maintain the integrity and buffer against water-related disease and natural disasters. This has been done by identifying common drivers associated with water-related disease risk in coastal human populations and ill health in downstream ocean ecosystems, and then reducing those risks through integrated watershed management through targeted actions operating at different scales. Through collaboration with Fiji Government and 29 communities across 5 watersheds, the WISH Fiji team implemented over 150 types of management interventions, principally related to improvements in water systems, integrated planning, land use management and waste management. These interventions have contributed to cleaner water for over 5,000 rural Fijians. Results and lessons learned from the WISH Fiji project have been showcased at a national two-day workshop, highlighting successes against national development targets achieved through multi-sectoral collaboration. Dr. Aaron Jenkins, Senior Research Fellow in Planetary Health from the University of Sydney and Edith Cowan University said that watershed condition affects the health and well-being of people and downstream ecosystems. Studies indicate that there is a higher incidence of water-related diseases like leptospirosis and typhoid within watersheds with high amounts of cleared land and higher densities of livestock accessing waterways. Studies also show that some of these same land-based activities around watersheds contribute to increased sediments and nutrients entering waterways which can have devastating impacts on freshwater and coastal coral reef ecosystems on which people depend on for food, livelihoods, and cultural practice. “WISH Fiji was designed to reduce risks to people from Fiji’s three plagues (leptospirosis, typhoid, and dengue), as well as other diarrheal diseases (collectively ‘LTDDs’), by improving overall systems health, which provides co-benefits for downstream ecosystems,” said Dr. Jenkins. WISH Fiji Project Manager, Timoci Naivalulevu from Fiji National University added, “In addition to reducing the risk of water-related disease, we focused on enabling communities to realise their fundamental right to clean water, while strengthening peoples’ connection to their lands and sea. To do this, we worked with a large number of partners across multiple sectors including the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, Ministry of Environment and Waterways, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, Ministry of Infrastructure and the Water Authority of Fiji.” WISH Fiji was implemented by University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Fiji National University and the Wildlife Conservation Society and was funded by the Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security and Bloomberg Philanthropies' Vibrant Oceans Initiative.   Parijata Gurdayal Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:18135 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/16449/Redefining-Impact-and-Success-in-Science-to-Dismantle-a-Discriminatory-Reward-System.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=16449 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=16449&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16449/Redefining-Impact-and-Success-in-Science-to-Dismantle-a-Discriminatory-Reward-System.aspx A 2020 study highlighted that the citation gap between genders was skewed a full 30 percent in favour of male scientists across thirteen STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine) disciplines. Other studies have highlighted sex-specific conscious and unconscious biases that lead to a higher rate of manuscript rejections and lower rate of publication in prestigious journals for women.  Discussions of a broken value system are prevalent across different fields of science and research, and are exposing deeply-entrenched, systemic sexism and racism. While equity within science has made some advancements, the system remains outdated, colonialist and patriarchal. It overemphasises contributions of males and fails to take into account the breadth of an individual’s meaningful scientific impacts outside of scientific literature—especially the contributions of women, non-binary genders, and other marginalised groups.  For a new paper published in PLoS Biology, I joined a group of 23 other women from different geographies and backgrounds to review the narrow definitions of success and impact in science that can have consequences for careers in science, especially for systemically marginalized groups, including women. In doing this, we wanted to let the evidence and data speak for itself.  We found that the current “publish or perish” model narrowly rewards quantity of publications, citations rates, and journal impact factors, and can determine career advancement, particularly in academia. However, the lack of gender balance and ethnic diversity amongst scientists being cited is not reflective of capacity and ability, but the historical demographics of departments and faculties in universities and research institutions.  Publication metrics are also revealing biases against ethnically diverse scientists, who experience lower acceptance rates, are less likely to be cited by other authors, and are required to have a high level of English proficiency or funding to get editorial support.  This is further exacerbated by “parachute or helicopter science” – terms used to describe international scientists with greater access to funding and scientific opportunity, conducting field studies in lower income countries in a manner that undermines and undervalues the roles and contributions to local scientists (usually from the Global South). The larger implications of gender and racial biases is that it limits innovation and advancement by failing to capitalize on diverse voices, talents, perspectives, knowledge systems and approaches to address the pressing needs of the planet. An alternative vision is to build a new academic model that values the recruitment and retention of diverse scientists through fostering safe and healthy work environments. This includes healthy inclusive mentoring practices such as sponsoring, counselling, networking, and advocating for mentees to support them in their STEMM careers. Institutions should therefore create a culture that promotes the wellness of its staff and students, especially those from marginalized groups.  In order to transform STEMM systems, members of the global scientific community, especially those in positions of power and privilege, need to recognize and reject all forms of systematic biases, especially towards women and marginalized groups, and adopt a wider scientific value system that measures success and impact beyond citations.  This new model should recognize non-academic science careers, teaching, mentoring, and contributions to critical policy and decision-making. Investments in mentoring, and the contributions of mentors and the achievements of mentees, need greater recognition and should not be limited to, for example, students or those in the early parts of their career.  Adoption of better practice means making meaningful and not tokenistic collaborations with others, especially those who are marginalized or in countries with low income and opportunities.  Transforming institutional value systems, cultures and practices towards a system that values justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is critical for the scientific advancement of humankind. This may require awards and incentives that recognize and reward authentic efforts to do so, create mechanisms to monitor implementation, and adapt and initiate positive spaces for dialogue where diverse voices and opinions are valued and matter.Citation: Davies SW, Putnam HM, Ainsworth T, Baum JK, Bove CB, Crosby SC, Côté IM, Duplouy A, Fulweiler RW, Griffin AJ, Hanley TC, Hill T, Humanes A, Mangubhai S, Metaxas A, Parker LM, Rivera HE, Silbiger NJ, Smith NS, Spalding AK, Traylor-Knowles N, Weigel BL, Wright RM, Bates AE (2021) Promoting inclusive metrics of success and impact to dismantle a discriminatory reward system in science. PLoS Biol. 19(6): e3001282. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001282 Sangeeta Mangubhai Fri, 06 Aug 2021 20:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:16449 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/16144/Study-provides-new-insights-into-village-water-committees-in-Fiji.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=16144 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=16144&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16144/Study-provides-new-insights-into-village-water-committees-in-Fiji.aspx A study was conducted to understand the structure, processes, and actions of water committees in Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) villages as part of the Watershed Interventions in Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project. Village water committees are important as they address and manage issues in their local communities. They have local knowledge which can help set standards of what is acceptable behaviour and enforce rules about water. Publishing their results in the International Journal of Water Resources Development, the multidisciplinary team included Sarah Nelson, Seye Abimbola, Aaron Jenkins and Joel Negin from the University of Sydney, Sangeeta Mangubhai and Stacy Jupiter from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and Kelera Naivalu and Vilisi Naivalulevu from Fiji National University.  The authors found: (1) roles of the committees were water infrastructure management and maintenance, and providing advice on water conservation, (2)   water committees’ membership size varied (especially the number of women members) (3) there were gendered divisions on committee roles (for example, women were typically the committee secretary, and men were responsible for fixing and managing pipe damage), and (4)  management actions were proactive (e.g. cleaning and maintenance of pipes) and reactive (e.g. fixing a pipe when it bursts). The study found that reactive management is more common in water committees, but these are ad-hoc short-term unplanned adaptive responses and only occur when problems arise. However, there needs to be greater push into aiding villages to make proactive decisions, but this requires greater planning and in some cases, funding. Social and cultural norms underlie the decision-making processes and structures of village water committees, with men playing dominant roles. Promoting women’s roles in water committees and decision-making is a way to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) and Goal 6 (ensure access to water and sanitation for all people). Ensuring everyone in the village is represented on the water committee is important as it helps promote ownership and buy-in from the village to protect and value water resources. Sarah Nelson explains, “With Fiji facing growing issues from climate change and its potential impact on water access, it is important to understand how committees work so future decisions, actions and interventions to support with water committees with their long-term water security, and help promote equitable water access for everyone in the village.” Findings from this study will be used to help the WISH Fiji project strengthen village level activities of water management and decision-making. This work was supported by the Stronger Systems for Health Security grant scheme by the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia and by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Vibrant Oceans Initiative.FULL PAPER:  Nelson S, Abimbola S, Mangubhai S, Jenkins A, Jupiter S, Naivalu K, Naivalulevu V, Negin J (2021) Understanding the decision-making structures, roles, and actions of village-level water committees in Fiji. International Journal of Water Resources Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2021.1916449 Sangeeta Mangubhai Mon, 10 May 2021 00:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:16144 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/15966/New-water-infrastructure-benefits-Bureta-communities.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=15966 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=15966&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/15966/New-water-infrastructure-benefits-Bureta-communities.aspx For almost two decades, the villagers of Naviteitei, Nasaga and Tai in Bureta District situated on Ovalau Island in the province of Lomaiviti, faced difficulties in accessing sufficient and an unpolluted supply of water from the dam to their homes. The problem as told by many, was the continuous clogging of the dam by sediments and debris, mainly soil and gravel that piled up in the dam and prevented flow of water.  However, after the construction of the new dam that included a sedimentation chamber and a collection box in November last year, the villagers experienced a change that made their lives easier.                                     Reconstruction of the dam in Bureta District on Ovalau Island, last year. ©Zoom Fiji/WCS “For the first time in over two decades, we received continuous supply of water during Christmas and this was a blessing,” said Salanieta Kilibau of Naviteitei village. “Even our families and relatives who visited the village during holidays from towns and outer islands were surprised that we had uninterrupted and debris free water supply in our homes unlike the other times,” the 58-year-old added.  For what was of more relief to Miss Kilibau was that the women in her village no longer had to make tiring trips to the river with their laundry and dishes to wash. “Before almost every day, I used to watch women and the children from our village carry their heavy loads of clothes and dishes to wash at the river nearby and I used to feel very sorry for them because despite having taps at their homes, they could not get enough water to wash and do their household chores. But now, life has truly become easier for them,” she said.The new dam with additional features was constructed with support from Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project, Water Authority of Fiji and Lomaiviti Provincial Council, currently serves uninterrupted fresh water to more than 350 people from three villages, a settlement, the Bureta Airstrip, the local health center and a primary school.  To ensure that the dam continues to function, the chairman of the Bureta Water Committee, Jone Aukerea, said the committee members will conduct monthly inspections. “We now have the dam with good services that provide us with the uninterrupted water supply, and we do not have any complaints however, it is our responsibility now to ensure that it continues this way, so we will do monthly inspections of the dam and if there are any problems we will try to address it quickly,” Mr Aukerea said. Bureta Water Committee members with the staff of Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji, Water Authority of Fiji and Lomaiviti Provincial Council. ©Arishma Devi/WCSIn addition to this, the water committee bought a new set of distribution pipes to replace the leaking ones currently serving households from the reservoir. Mr Aukerea also mentioned that during the Tropical Cyclone Ana in January this year, a pipe had disconnected from the dam that slowed the water supply. However, the problem was addressed quickly. The project is generously supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  WISH Fiji embraces an integrated approach by working with national and local government, rural communities and the commercial sector in Fiji to take a systems approach to health and well-being through focused action within five river sub-catchments with documented cases of typhoid, leptospirosis and dengue fever. Arishma Devi Sun, 21 Mar 2021 22:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:15966 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/14741/Forest-wardens-no-longer-to-walk-16-km-a-day-for-patrol.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=14741 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=14741&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14741/Forest-wardens-no-longer-to-walk-16-km-a-day-for-patrol.aspx In 2017, Joeli Matai and Jona Cati graduated as forest wardens from the Colo-i-Suva Forestry Training Center. The two have since then, committed to protecting the Kilaka Forest Conservation Area, near their village in the District of Kubulau in Bua Province, Vanua Levu. For the past three years, twice a month, Joeli, 52 and Jona, 36, walked approximately 16 kilometers to patrol the 402 ha Kilaka Forest Conservation Area to ensure it was safeguarded against threats such as illegal logging, gravel extraction and careless burning. Through the assistance of Wildlife Conservation Society’s, Fiji Country Program (WCS Fiji), the wardens received horses as a mode of transportation to ease patrolling duties. They also received waterproof jackets and gum boots to protect them from unfavourable weather conditions during their patrols. The forest wardens with the horses and protective body suits. Photo: suppliedIn expressing his happiness in receiving the horses, Joeli said, “We depend on forests for our survival, from the air we breathe to the wood we use and I am happy to receive this assistance which will help me carry out my duties even better.” He said that the new mode of transport will reduce their time of travel and allow them to patrol the forest area thoroughly. This also meant they could divide their time between patrolling, farming and other village activities more efficiently. “Normally, the walk to the Kilaka forest is long and tiring and because the forest area is so big, it takes at least three hours or more to complete the patrol,” Joeli added.  Highlighting the importance of the role that they played, WCS Fiji Community Engagement Officer, Sirilo Dulunaqio said the forest wardens are the eyes and ears of the community and also to the Ministry of Forestry. Their continued service allows special places like the Kilaka Forest to be preserved for our future. “As full-time farmers, Joeli and Jona are both dedicated to protecting the natural resources and have been crucial in the implementation of the Kilaka Forest Conservation Area Management Plan which was designed through numerous consultations with forest land owners and WCS Fiji,” Sirilo said. The Kilaka Forest Conservation Area, is situated on land belonging to Mataqali Nadicake (land owning unit) in Kilaka Village. The conservation area is protected under a 99 year conservation lease between WCS and the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) to ensure the long-term protection of the highly biodiverse forest and its water sources. Arishma Devi Mon, 10 Aug 2020 23:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:14741 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/14052/Profile-Feature--Akanisi-Caginitoba-and-her-life-as-a-Community-Engagement-Coordinator.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=14052 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=14052&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14052/Profile-Feature--Akanisi-Caginitoba-and-her-life-as-a-Community-Engagement-Coordinator.aspx Akanisi (known to many as Cagi) was born in Vanuatu. At the age of 13, she came to Fiji with her family and since then lived a life of a Fiji urbanite. Akanisi’s passion for working with Fijian communities developed when she first went to a village in 2002, as a community engagement officer. She noticed how the villagers lived a worriless life away from the urban rush and race for time and money. Wildlife Conservation Society, Community Engagement Coordinator, Akanisi Caginitoba ©WCS “In the village, if there are no sugar and tea leaves, people can improvise with the natural resources they are surrounded with,” says Akanisi. “They cook cassava and dalo (taro) and have it with the water they boiled it with, making it their breakfast. Fresh fruits between meals serve as snack or dessert,” she added. Akanisi’s passion to learn more about Fijian culture and traditions from different communities has brought her closer to them. “I like listening to old stories that they have. For instance, how Bua got its name? How people settled there and how times have changed for them? Given the increase in the demand for money, I have also heard about how people are trying to look for new ways to make money which is having other consequences like risking the loss of their resources or forgetting traditional skills such as weaving mats and baskets.” She explains, “I know that through the various projects supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) on natural resource management and livelihoods, I am able to weave and foster the traditional skillsets of the community members back into their daily lives, and help them do what they have been doing right – protecting their valuable culture and heritage and resources for their children and Fiji’s future. Akanisi with Wildlife Conservation Society staff during a meeting. ©Eferemo Kubunavanua  The community life captivated Akanisi and prompted her to specialize in community engagement. Her role as a WCS Community Engagement Coordinator provides visionary leadership, and assists communities to identify, design and raise funds for their projects. Through the research and data collected by WCS’s scientists, Akanisi helps communities understand the health of their surrounding natural resources. She works with them to create bottom-up community-based resource management plans that integrates the traditional ecological knowledge and science. These plans not only protect the resources such as fisheries and forests but also offer sustainable economic benefits to communities. Akanisi has been with WCS for over two decades working throughout the 14 provinces of Fiji in over 120 villages, each with different cultural and traditional backgrounds. She has helped nine districts develop ecosystem-based management (EBM) plans, and is currently developing pathways and approaches to integrate disaster risk reduction into community planning processes. She has also worked with communities, mainly women to establish their alternative livelihood projects which included: virgin coconut oil, honey and ‘kuta’ mats. 1. What has been one of the greatest highlights of your career so far?                                                                     Our team has successfully worked with all nine districts of Bua Province to implement their EBM plans. Last year, we launched the Koro Island EBM plan, the first ever island-scale EBM plan for Fiji. These are integrated approaches to managing community/island resources sustainably. I am forever grateful for the excellent support I received from the district and island hierarchy committee members, which has made the development of this plan possible. The leaders and people of Koro are happy with the plan because this will enable their food security and ensure a sustainable income for them and their future generation.2. Why are you passionate about community engagement? I am very passionate about my work because I get to visit new places in Fiji especially in the areas that we work in. With the kind of work that I do I get to interact with different people and I am always ready to bring a change and give them hope for a brighter future, if they look after their ecosystem well. With this role I am able to facilitate changes, assist address issues, support the resource management committees and provide information or resources they might need through projects they are conducting within their villages or districts.3. What message do you have for young men and women who wish to work with communities?     Working with communities is inspirational. One gets to learn a lot of new things every day, especially the amazing culture and traditions within in the different provinces of Fiji. If you have the passion for learning, and have the patience and humbleness within you, then working with communities to find the right tool to understand and address their issues will be fun and fulfilling. Arishma Devi Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:14052 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13858/Gender-integration-into-the-implementation-of-the-Vanuatu-National-Road-map-for-Coastal-Fisheries.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13858 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13858&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13858/Gender-integration-into-the-implementation-of-the-Vanuatu-National-Road-map-for-Coastal-Fisheries.aspx With two thirds of the population living within one kilometer of the coast, coastal fisheries are a critical resource for food security, nutrition, livelihoods and cultural practice or kastom in Vanuatu. Last year, the Vanuatu Department of Fisheries launched the “Vanuatu National Roadmap for Coastal Fisheries: 2019‒2030”. Vanuatu’s roadmap is comprehensive, aligning with the Melanesia Spearhead Group’s roadmap for inshore fisheries, as well as other regional (e.g. New Song) and global (e.g. FAO Guidelines for Securing Small-Scale Fisheries, Sustainable Development Goal 14 on Oceans) commitments and guidelines. There are six principles to guide the implementation of Vanuatu’s roadmap – featured prominently, the first principle states how important it is to “recognize women’s contribution to coastal fisheries and promote more inclusive fisheries management and livelihoods.” Gender trainers Cedric Paniel (OXFAM), Chelcia Gomese (WorldFish), Sangeeta Mangubhai (WCS), Danika Kleiber (JCU/WorldFish) © WorldFishHowever, fisheries managers and practitioners do not have formal training and therefore lack the knowledge and skills needed to integrate gender into their work. In response, the Vanuatu Department of Fisheries hosted a training designed to increase and strengthen its capacity for integrating gender into fisheries and aquaculture work in Vanuatu. Over two days, representatives from government, environmental NGOs and development organisations came together to share knowledge and experiences on gender integration into projects, programs and institutions. The training was specifically designed to: 1)      Increase and strengthen capacity for government and NGOs to integrate gender into aquaculture, fisheries, environment and broader natural resource use and management; and 2)      Develop clear pathways for gender integration into management and monitoring. The materials for the training were co-developed by the Pathways Project in partnership with the Vanuatu team, the James Cook University ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, WorldFish Solomon Islands, and the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Fiji Country Program. What was unique about the training was there were no Powerpoint presentations, no formal classroom teaching – instead activities were designed to enable participants to reflect on their own experiences, and consider how society shapes and influences ideas around gender roles and relationships. The training was highly interactive, providing time to reflect on the difference between sex and gender, and how gender norms can negatively influence the lives and relationships of men and women. Participants at the gender in fisheries training in Port Vila, Vanuatu - copyright to WorldFishGender panelists (left to right): Julia Marango (CARE), Celine Bareus (Department of Women’s Affairs), Betty Zinner-Toa (UN Women), Jill Makikon (OXFAM)  © WorldFishTogether, the participants explored the barriers different people in a community experience when they are engaging in participatory management decisions, and they gained new gender sensitive facilitation techniques. A panel of experts from UN Women, OXFAM, CARE and the Department of Women’s Affairs shared approaches and tools they found effective to progress gender equality in Vanuatu. The hope is that the approaches developed by these gender and development organisations, and the lessons they have learned, can openly be shared with the Vanuatu Department of Fisheries to better implement the National Roadmap for Coastal Fisheries. Chelcia Gomese a Senior Research Analyst at WorldFish in Solomon Islands explains, “one of the highlights of the training was the opportunity to work and learn from with Cedric Paniel at OXFAM who is doing some leading and innovative work on gender in Vanuatu. It is rare for me to meet a male who is as passionate about gender as I am. I hope to bring what I have learned this week back to the work that will continue to do in Solomon Islands.” This work is part of Dr Sangeeta Mangubhai’s Pew Marine Conservation Fellowship which is looking at how to better mainstream gender and human rights-based approaches into small-scale fisheries in Melanesia. Sangeeta Mangubhai Wed, 26 Feb 2020 21:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13858 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 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13558/Koro-Chiefs-commit-to-island-scale-EBM.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13558 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13558&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13558/Koro-Chiefs-commit-to-island-scale-EBM.aspx This month, with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Lomaiviti Provincial Office and key Government Ministries the 14 chiefs of the 14 villages of Koro Island launched the ecosystem-based management plan (EBM). This is a first island scale EBM plan for Fiji which is an integrated approach into managing the island’s resources sustainably.Launch of the island-scale ecosystems-based management plan on Koro Island. © WCSIn endorsing the five-year plan, the chiefs have urged the communities to make every effort to ensure effective implementation of the plan. The plan was designed by the Yaubula Management Support team on the Island through the various community and stakeholder consultations were undertaken between 2015 and 2018. The plan reflects the outcomes of the Koro Island EBM management planning workshops conducted on the island with local communities and relevant government representatives. WCS, Community Engagement Coordinator, Akanisi Caginitoba, said, “the plan united the 14 villages of the island who have shown great commitment to protecting their vulnerable resources for the future.”  The management plan seeks to promote an integrated approach to enhancing the ecological value and resilience of terrestrial freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems on Koro island. EBM aims to maintain ecosystems in a healthy, productive and resilient condition so that human needs can be met in future. Local communities are key to sustaining the ecosystems and this plan seeks to address the growing challenges of Fiji's land and marine resources including the impacts of climate change.  The people of the Koro island have committed their time and expertise in abundance to support the conservation and sustainable use of the island's natural resources. The main source of income for the Koro Islanders is farming and fishing. As such, they have identified several threats to Koro Island which if unmanaged, will impact the health of terrestrial and freshwater habitats.Signing of the plan. © WCS  It has been identified that uncontrolled logging and agricultural practices have caused the loss of native plant species and increases the presence of invasive species on the Island. To address this threat, the farmers have collectively agreed to not bring in plants such as taro from outside Koro Island.  At a workshop in 2017, held at Vatulele village, it was also noted that unsustainable fishing practices such as overfishing of living resources, night spearfishing and fishing of small-sized fish posed threat to the marine ecosystem surrounding the Island.  The WCS Fiji Country Program Director, Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai said, “Over the four years of our working here we have seen the best of what Koro Island has to offer through her people and the abundant resources both on land and in the sea.” While speaking at the launch, she also added that WCS witnessed the heartache brought about by TC Winston and how resilient the people of Koro are and how they have quickly recovered from the devastation brought by TC Winston.  According to the management plan, the communities will have restricted logging near streams, catchment areas and along the coastline. Commercial logging will only commence with approval from the respective Ministry and landowners after an environmental impact assessment.Women of Koro Island at the launch of the island-scale ecosystems-based management plan. © WCS  Additionally, the communities will establish community-based marine managed areas to counter depleting marine resources. Fish wardens of the communities will monitor the fishing activities and any breach will be reported to the Island's Yaubula Management Support Team. The plan prohibits leaving fishing nets along the mouth of streams, removing the coral, leaving nets overnight and taking of undersized fish.  As part of a longer-term initiative, the communities have also incorporated sustainable financing in the management plan which will help formulate scholarship for tertiary students and small sustainable projects within the Island.  Arishma Devi Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13558 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13518/National-scale-marine-bioregions-for-the-Southwest-Pacific.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13518 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13518&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13518/National-scale-marine-bioregions-for-the-Southwest-Pacific.aspx Pacific nations are determined to fulfill their international commitments to conserve the ocean around them, despite the lack of data on bioregions within their countries to support their efforts. However, the current marine bioregions that cover the Pacific Ocean are at spatial scales that are too broad to support national marine spatial planning. The southwest Pacific bioregionalisation will enable the design of ecologically representative national systems of marine protected or managed areas within offshore and inshore environments in the Pacific. A diversity of authors from or supporting the Pacific region have developed the first combined oceanic and coastal marine bioregionalisation at national scales, with demarcation of 262 deep-water and 103 reef-associated bioregions across the southwest Pacific. “Bioregions” are defined areas with reasonably similar groupings of biological and physical features that do not require complete data on all species, habitats and processes. A data-driven approach has been used by the authors to identify and map the marine bioregions, differentiating between the deep-water and reef-associated bioregions. The bioregions have been reviewed by technical experts in the region to make sure they make sense. The paper titled “National-scale marine bioregions for the Southwest Pacific” which was recently published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, analyses how the new marine bioregionalisation plays a critical role in assisting the countries to develop or enhance spatial planning across the southwest Pacific. For instance, the countries can design ecologically representative systems of marine protected areas by ensuring that examples of every marine bioregion are included in the final design. The deep-water bioregions were classified with 30 environmental datasets derived from satellite or ship measurements. The reef-associated environments, required records of 806 taxa at 7369 sites to predict the probability of observing taxa based on environmental variables. Because many bioregions cut across the national jurisdictions, shared bioregions have also been determined in the study. For Fiji, a total of 23 deep-water bioregions have been identified which are all shared while out of the 12 reef-associated bioregions identified, three are shared. The authors believe that the marine bioregions make an important contribution in providing the biophysical data layer required to improve effective spatial planning across the Southwest Pacific. Coastal view from Lau. Credit: Wildlife Conservation Society. The authors of the study are Maria Beger, Hans Wendt, Jonah Sullivan, Claire Mason, Jimaima LeGrand, Kate Davey , Stacy Jupiter , Daniela M. Ceccarelli , Alex Dempsey , Graham Edgar , David A. Feary , Douglas Fenner, Marian Gauna , Hannah Grice , Sahar Noor Kirmani , Sangeeta Mangubhai , Sam Purkis, Zoe T. Richards, Randi Rotjan , Rick Stuart-Smith , Helen Sykes , Naushad Yakub , Andrew G. Bauman , Alec Hughes , Jason Raubani , Adam Lewis , Leanne Fernandes The paper can be assessed from:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110710 or by contacting the Wildlife Conservation Society directly on infofiji@wcs.org   Arishma Devi Mon, 25 Nov 2019 01:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13518 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13221/How-coral-reefs-benefit-from-healthy-watersheds.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13221 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13221&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13221/How-coral-reefs-benefit-from-healthy-watersheds.aspx As part of the Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and our partners are trying to identify how activities on the land may be impacting downstream coral reefs. This is a bit like detective work to try to uncover convincing evidence to link human activities to reef condition. What you see on a coral reef at any given time represents an integrated history of all environmental conditions to which the reef has been exposed, both through natural and human-influenced processes. There is a high natural degree in variability of the types of corals and other benthic organisms you might find, which can be related to things like depth, reef habitat, and wave exposure. Furthermore, some coral reef organisms are better able to tolerate disturbance due to their growth forms (e.g., robust mounding corals can tolerate high energy waves much better than delicate branching corals) and genetic predisposition.                                               A river mouth adjacent to coastal reefs in Viti Levu. Credit: Stacy Jupiter Over the past few decades, there has been growing concern that rapid rates of change in how humans use the land adjacent to coral reefs is leading to unfavourable shifts in reef communities. There is evidence from numerous field studies that reefs growing adjacent to heavily altered catchments tend of have corals with higher rates of partial mortality and disease, increased algal cover, low rates of recruitment of new juvenile corals, and increased amounts of bio-erosion. Recent research from the Coral Coast in Fiji also has shown negative feedback whereby larval coral and fish preferentially avoid settling in areas with more algal growth. These issues taken together prevent reef growth and recovery following disturbance, and can ultimately lead to the breakdown of reef structure.                                         Some nearshore reefs had high abundance of juvenile coral recruits, suggesting better local                                                             conditions for reef recovery. Credit: Stacy Jupiter  What are the mechanisms that influence these impacts? Large-scale vegetation removal from watersheds and soil compaction over time can lead to higher volumes of river runoff reaching the nearshore, coupled with higher end loads of sediments and nutrients that can be compounded from poor agricultural and waste management practices. Corals, as well as other benthic reef organisms, can be quite sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, sediment and nutrient loads, as well as other chemicals that may be running of the land from pesticides or industrial activities. Elevated sediments in the coastal environment can negatively affect corals and other benthic organisms through multiple pathways. They can reduce the amount of light, which is needed by the algae (called zooxanthellae) that live in coral tissues and produce the corals’ food. Large sticky flocs called marine snow, which form in particular when sediments aggregate in high nutrient conditions, can smother coral recruits and other small benthic organisms. When these particles land on larger coral colonies, the corals may get stressed trying to slough off the particles either by ciliary action or by producing large volumes of mucus that can be washed away by currents. The increased amount of particulates and dissolved organic material has also been documented to be associated with increased microbial activity that promotes coral disease.                                              A small nudibranch makes its way across a thick carpet of sediment on coastal reefs in                                                                                   Tailevu Province. Credit: Stacy Jupiter The WCS Fiji team is at the early stages of trying to identify baseline conditions of coral reefs downstream from the Dawasamu, Waibula, Bureta and Dama river catchments in Tailevu, Lomaiviti and Bua provinces. We will use historical records and accounts of land cover change to try to identify how past activities have shaped current reef condition. And then we will work with the local communities in these locations to undertake watershed management interventions designed to reduce sediments and nutrients in their waterways and ultimately improve downstream reef condition.                                                                                 WCS Fiji dive team discussing conditions on reefs near Silana Village in                                                                                              Tailevu Province. Credit: Stacy JupiterThe WISH Fiji project also goes beyond trying to manage coral reefs. The project partners are taking an integrated approach to watershed management to improve the health of the entire linked ridge-to-reef systems, including for the people residing in the river catchments. Our collaborative research has shown that the same types of activities that degrade watersheds are also linked to the incidence and occurrence of water-related disease, such as typhoid and leptospirosis, in people. Thus, by taking a holistic approach through managing at the watershed scale, we aim to improve water safety, water quality, and overall system health. The WISH Fiji project is a partnership between the University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Fiji National University and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in close collaboration and partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Water Authority of Fiji, World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pacific Community (SPC), UNICEF. The project is generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Stacy Jupiter Thu, 24 Oct 2019 02:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13221 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13211/Surveying-coral-reefs-in-Ovalau-Island-to-measure-impacts-of-watershed-management.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13211 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13211&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13211/Surveying-coral-reefs-in-Ovalau-Island-to-measure-impacts-of-watershed-management.aspx While the rest of the country celebrated Fiji Day, a team of dedicated Fijian scientists continued their surveys of coral reefs around Ovalau Island. It felt apt to be there, close to Fiji’s old capital Levuka which became a World Heritage Site in June, 2013. Each day we SCUBA dive to collect baseline data on coral cover, coral disease, and reef fish communities to help us document and better understand how land use practices are impacting downstream coral reef habitats. Heavy rainfall earlier in the week had caused sediments from land to enter the Bureta River, forming large plumes extending from the river mouth out to sea. The sediment plumes are so thick it is impossible to count fish on nearshore reefs and we had to concentrate our efforts on the composition and health of the coral community. We found, as we expected, that those coral reefs closest to river mouths are being heavily impacted by sediments from land. In these environments the diversity of corals is low and a number of colonies were ‘pale’ or ‘fully bleached’ which is an indicator of stress. In this case the stress is likely a combination of freshwater (from the recent heavy rain) and sediments. Silt was prevalent at the site, in some places making up 20‒30 percent of the cover. Many of the corals were producing large volumes of mucous in an effort to trap and prevent sediments settling on their tissue. Further away from the land the story was a little mixed. At some sites the coral community was healthy and thriving, while other reefs were still recovering from Category 5 Cyclone Winston which passed through Fiji in February 2016 leaving a trail of destruction in its path. Those reefs previously impacted by the cyclone had notable large fields of rubble (old broken coral), overturned corals and chunks of reef that had been broken off. To address these pressing issues, a large multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral project called Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) was launched in late 2018. Working across the five sub-catchments of the Bureta, Dama Dawasamu, Waibula and Upper Navua rivers, the project focuses on targeted and integrated upstream catchment management and policy implementation to reduce the spread of disease and improve downstream ecosystem condition. The coral reef data collected this year will be our baseline and we will be doing monitoring annually to determine if interventions to improve land management will have a positive impact on coral reefs. There is a tight connectivity between land and sea on high islands given the generally smaller sizes of their watersheds. Bottom line is that watershed health matters for coral reefs and the people who are dependent on them, especially for food and livelihoods. We need to ask ourselves, can we really afford to lose them? The WISH Fiji project is a partnership between the University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Fiji National University and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in close collaboration and partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Water Authority of Fiji, World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pacific Community (SPC), UNICEF. The project is generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs.  Sangeeta Mangubhai Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13211 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13191/Watershed-management-and-coral-reefs.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13191 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13191&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13191/Watershed-management-and-coral-reefs.aspx Healthy watersheds are fundamental to human health and wellbeing whether you live inland or along the coast. Ridge-to-reef management is not new and organisations like the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have been supporting communities take a holistic and integrated approach to managing their resources for more than a decade.Catchment management is an important issue in Fiji as land use practices such as forest clearing and agriculture are increasingly impacting watersheds, causing rivers to be filled with sediments, especially after heavy rains. These sediments eventually make their way down the river and discharge into the ocean. A certain amount of the sediments may be trapped by mangroves at the mouth of rivers, but large volumes of silt end up on coral reefs.Human activities are changing both the magnitude and characteristics of sediment that is reaching the reef.  Some species of coral cannot survive sediment plumes after heavy rainfall. Other corals become stressed and produce volumes of mucous to trap silt to prevent it settling on their tissue. Fine silt that ends up on the ocean never really goes away – rough weather and currents can continue to re-suspend it, keeping corals in a stressed state. To address these pressing issues, a large multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral project called Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) was launched in late 2018. Working across the five sub-catchments of the Bureta, Dama Dawasamu, Waibula and Upper Navua rivers, the project focuses on targeted and integrated upstream catchment management and policy implementation to reduce the spread of disease and improve downstream ecosystem condition. To document and better understand these downstream impacts, a team of scientists from WCS are surveying reefs close to and offshore from the mouth of the Bureta, Dama, Waibula, and Dawasamu rivers. Each day we SCUBA dive to collect baseline data on coral cover, coral disease, and reef fish communities. We are documenting how much silt (measured as percentage cover) is present on those reefs. The composition of coral communities can give us insights into the impact sediments are having on reef systems. The types and abundance of coral disease provide a strong indicator of land-based impacts. Monitoring will be done annually to determine if interventions to improve land management will have a positive impact on coral reefs.The WISH Fiji project is a partnership between the University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Fiji National University and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in close collaboration and partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Water Authority of Fiji, World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pacific Community (SPC), UNICEF. The project is generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative, the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Tiffany & Co. Foundation.    Sangeeta Mangubhai Sun, 13 Oct 2019 22:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13191 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13121/WCS-Melanesia-Director-named-a-2019-MacArthur-Fellow.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13121 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13121&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13121/WCS-Melanesia-Director-named-a-2019-MacArthur-Fellow.aspx The Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Melanesia Director, Dr. Stacy Jupiter was named a 2019 MacArthur Fellow 2019, a recipient of a Genius Grant, today. The prestigious award is a recognition of Dr. Jupiter’s work as a marine scientist and conservationist and the innovative ways she has “integrated local cultural practices with field research to develop conservation solutions that protect both the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems and the well-being of communities that dependent on them.” One of her main focal areas of work has been to assess the effectiveness of locally-managed marine areas (LMMAs) to achieve desired outcomes that local people care about, such as food security, livelihoods and enabling cultural practice. With numerous collaborators in Fiji and abroad, Dr. Jupiter identified under which conditions LMMAs with tabu areas (fisheries closures that are periodically harvested) can be the best strategy for simultaneously maximizing the amount of fish in the water, amount of catch, and ease of fish catch over the course of a year, while allowing for customary harvesting practices. “For many years, we have been arguing that management undertaken by small-scale fishers in the Pacific Islands is more than just a niche practice,” explains Dr. Jupiter. “This work validates that conclusion, and provides legitimacy to a management tool that is incredibly important for local cultural practice in Fiji and across the Pacific.” The findings are likely to have real impacts on how people around the globe implement fisheries management so that they can have their fish in the water and eat them too. More recently, Dr. Jupiter has been pioneering an innovative research-to-action project with the WCS Fiji country program and collaborators from University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Ministry of Health, Fiji National University and a number of other institutions. The Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) initiative, which is working to simultaneously reduce water-related disease risk and improve ecosystem health through strategic watershed management measures, has been a decade in the making. Through this work, Dr. Jupiter is trying to galvanize local people to be better stewards of their environment by directly connecting their actions to the things people care most about – their health, food and cultural connections to the land and sea. Part of galvanizing people means using out-of-the-box thinking to inspire people to take action. Dr Jupiter uses captivating approaches such as flash mobs, comic books and puppets to help people understand the impacts of environmental changes and to reconnect them to nature. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation provides unrestricted fellowships to talented persons who have shown extraordinary innovation and commitment in their field of expertise that has brought about real change on the ground. There are three criteria for selection of Fellows: (1)   Exceptional creativity; (2)   Promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishments; (3)   Potential for the Fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work. Although Dr. Jupiter was born in the USA, she has lived in Fiji for 11 years and is also a naturalized Fiji citizen. She supports conservation efforts in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. She has worked across a diversity of fields including land-sea planning, ecosystem based management, locally managed marine areas, fisheries and coral reef resilience. For more information, please check out the following links: https://www.macfound.org/fellows/1041/ https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13103/WCS-Congratulates-Stacy-Jupiter-for-Being-Named-a-2019-MacArthur-Fellow-A-Recipient-of-a-Genius-Grant.aspx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOQqUDK_Rmw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0J19B4ip_JgDGKCupZYsf1f8-C8lwHY1styjlPnHUsrn2_Av-ssnvAK0Y   Arishma Devi Fri, 27 Sep 2019 03:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13121 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13117/Agriculture-mapping-for-clean-and-safe-water.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13117 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13117&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13117/Agriculture-mapping-for-clean-and-safe-water.aspx Healthy watersheds are critical for ecosystem and human health, but are threatened by a range of unsustainable or damaging land practices. These practices include the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides associated with farming, as well as poor animal husbandry. For example, the discharge of animal waste contaminates into waterbodies that communities are reliant on for drinking water can increase the incidence of waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis. The run-off of nutrients into catchments can result in toxic algal blooms, which can impact fish, prawns, clams, eels and other river species important for subsistence or local livelihoods. To design the most effective interventions to support healthy ecosystems and reduce waterborne diseases, the Watershed Interventions Systems for Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) is assessing community agricultural practices around five water sub-catchments. From September to December this year, WISH Fiji is conducting environmental and water sampling, mapping and socioeconomic surveys in Dama, Bureta, Dawasamu, Waibula and Upper Navua sub-catchments. Agricultural specialists are mapping out crop and livestock farming around main waterbodies such as hydro dams (sources for drinking water), bathing spots in rivers, and fishing areas. The WISH Fiji team has recently completed all surveys in Dawasamu District in Tailevu Province. The team observed farms on steep slopes and use of chemicals in the yields along creeks and rivers. Farmers also shared that some people used pesticides for fishing purposes, without understanding the consequences. Based on the findings of the study, WISH Fiji will work with local communities to determine better and safer agricultural practices which will prevent agriculture pollutants from entering watersheds. It is important to understand the link between agricultural practices, environment and human health.  Education and awareness on soil health and conservation together with a better understanding of the impact of agro-chemicals along water bodies is essential.   Vinesh Prasad Thu, 26 Sep 2019 21:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13117 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13089/District-works-towards-developing-a-revised-ecosystem-based-management-plan.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13089 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13089&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13089/District-works-towards-developing-a-revised-ecosystem-based-management-plan.aspx The growing demand for natural resources and increasing impacts of climate change are threatening ecosystems worldwide. To protect the environment from these threats, an integrated approach is required. Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is an integrated approach to manage and maintain healthy, productive and resilient ecosystems and the communities that are dependent on.  It addresses interactions between humans and the environment. The development of an EBM plan takes considerable effort and commitment by all, including all members of the community, as well as government and private sector stakeholders. In late 2018, the traditional resources owners in Bua came together to develop an EBM plan for their district with the support of the Bua Provincial Office and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). There are 7 villages in the district - Bua, Dalomo, Tiliva, Koroinasolo, Nawailevu, Waitabu and Tacilevu. In August, a team from the WCS led by Community Engagement Coordinator, Akanisi Caginitoba conducted a workshop at Dalomo Village to discuss the threats, strategies and actions the community wanted to address in their EBM plan. Developing an EBM plan requires clear management rules and actions, and collective efforts to promote compliance, including awareness, monitoring, surveillance and enforcement.  Building on their extensive and rich traditional and cultural knowledge of their land and sea, the plan hopes to set a pathway to the sustainable use of natural resources that will ensure long-term benefits for generations to come. The district has several protected reef areas and has proposed a number of freshwater protected areas which will be reflected in the EBM.  In the two-day workshop, the district men, women and youth participated actively in mapping their resources and resource use activities. As symbolic a tree planting exercise was also held at the Bua District School to encourage children to care for their environment. An excursion was also done to two historically known to be nesting sites for turtles. WCS engaged the services of Oliva, a “Dau Ni Vonu” (Turtle Rangers) from the island of Tavea in the neighbouring district of Lekutu to assess the potential turtle nesting site. Oliva was trained under the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) turtle monitoring project and demonstrates the value of investing in communities to build local capacity. Bua and Dama districts are the remaining two in Bua Province to have their EBM plans finalized and launched. These management plans once completed, will sit under a larger integrated coastal management plan for Bua Province.   Eferemo Kubunavanua Fri, 20 Sep 2019 00:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13089 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13056/Watershed-Interventions-for-Systems-Health-in-Fiji.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13056 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13056&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13056/Watershed-Interventions-for-Systems-Health-in-Fiji.aspx Healthy watersheds are fundamental to human health and well-being.In Fiji, rural communities are largely dependent on nearby water sources for consumption and other household activities. However, increasing development and poor land-management practices around watersheds can contribute to declines in water quality. Land-based impacts are particularly problematic in areas where logging is prevalent and unmanaged, and where village and urban waste management systems are rudimentary. Sediments and waste from land activities such as logging, soil and gravel extraction, litter, animal waste, unsafe agricultural practices, livestock rearing and poor sanitation often seep into waterways. This is particularly so in high island ecosystems, where there is a tight connectivity between land, rivers and the sea. There is growing evidence that poor land practices can contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases such as typhoid, leptospirosis and dengue in the tropics. For example, there are a growing number of cases of typhoid and leptospirosis associated with vegetation removal and high livestock density in Fiji. These same poor land practices also have negative impacts on downstream freshwater and marine resources on which local people rely for food, livelihoods and cultural practice. To address these issues, a large multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral project called Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) was launched in late 2018. Working across the five sub-catchments of the Bureta, Dama, Dawasamu, Waibula and Upper Navua rivers, the project focuses on targeted and integrated upstream catchment management and policy implementation to reduce the spread of disease and improve downstream ecosystem condition. The specific nature of the watershed interventions will be determined in consultation with village committees, in partnership with WISH project staff. Training will also be provided to the next generation of health systems leaders, specifically in effectively managing water resources, improving the health of people, the state of environment, and developing ecological interventions. The creation of inclusive decision-making processes with government and local communities is essential for long-term implementation. Therefore, the project will largely engage local communities and government to develop intervention plans to properly manage the watersheds. The WISH Fiji project is a partnership between the University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Fiji National University and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in close collaboration and partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Water Authority of Fiji, World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pacific Community (SPC) and UNICEF. The project is generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The activities of the project are also funded by the Tiffany & Co Foundation.  Arishma Devi Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13056 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13051/Celebrating-the-life-of-Steven-McLaren-Lee.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13051 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13051&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13051/Celebrating-the-life-of-Steven-McLaren-Lee.aspx Anyone who had the deep privilege of meeting, working, diving or fishing with Steven McLaren Lee could not help but feel hopeful about the future. Steven brought so much life and energy to everything he did. He was fearless, willing to try anything, giving a hundred percent to any task he set himself. I first met Steven when he turned up on the doorstep of the Wildlife Conservation Society to discuss ideas for his Master of Science degree. Steven wanted to find a topic that would have real impact in Fiji, and would help communities better manage their fisheries resources. At the time, the declines in the sea cucumber fishery in Fiji and the wider Pacific was a hot issue. And so he embarked on a Masters at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research and University of Bremen in Germany. He decided to look at how the removal of the sea cucumber known locally as dairo (Holothuria scabra), affected the health of marine sediments. This is an important question, as evidence from other places in the world suggested sea cucumbers played a critical role in recycling of nutrients and keeping sediments aerated. He got community agreement to work in Natuvu Village in Cakaudrove Province and in 24 months, he completed all his fieldwork, and submitted his thesis.Steven was keen to return to Fiji and began an internship with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Using his new knowledge and skills he worked with other WCS staff to help two communities draft up management plans for their sea cucumber fishery. At the same time, Steven had two manuscripts for an international journal and for the Pacific Community’s (SPC) fisheries bulletin submitted and accepted. Steven very quickly became sought after and started doing consultancies in Fiji and the wider Pacific region. For someone so young, he was landing contracts to do summaries of Fiji’s top 44 fisheries, desktop reviews for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), fisheries analyses for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and for SPC. Despite being in high demand, he managed to join us for the 2017 expedition we did in the northern Lau group with the Vatuvara Foundation. He kept us thoroughly entertained with his free-diving and fishing stories, while entering data with the team late into the evenings. It is with great sadness that the WCS family farewells Steven Lee who passed away just over 2 weeks ago. Although we all feel his loss so keenly, we are grateful to have been a part of Steve’s journey in life and to share in the joy he brought to everyone around him. Rest in peace Sitiveni.   Sangeeta Mangubhai Tue, 10 Sep 2019 21:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13051 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13039/Supporting-community-managed-pearl-oyster-farms-in-Savusavu-Bay.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=13039 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13039&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13039/Supporting-community-managed-pearl-oyster-farms-in-Savusavu-Bay.aspx J. Hunter Pearls Fiji has been producing high quality pearls with ‘distinctive hues’ since early 2000, and made Fiji pearls a sought after brand. The owner, Justin Hunter works closely with local communities in Vanua Levu, providing jobs for local communities. Pearl oysters are filter feeders, requiring clear pristine waters to grow and thrive. They can filter about 1400 litres of water a day capturing plankton (small microscopic animals in the water column) and other small particles. In other words, oysters clean seawater, keeping bays like Savusavu healthy!Over the next three years, the Wildlife Conservation Society, is partnering J. Hunter Pearls Fiji and the Pacific Community (SPC) to support 2‒3 community-managed pearl oyster farms in Cakaudrove Province on the island of Vanua Levu. The project will be exploring ways to engage women fishers in the industry, while enhancing the effectiveness of their locally managed marine areas. We will work with the local community to ensure land uses do not impact water quality in their customary fishing grounds, to maintain the waters needed for producing high quality pearls. WCS will work closely with J. Hunter Pearls Fiji, SPC and the communities to develop business plans to ensure equitable distribution of benefits that will cover future costs of wages, new pearl shell stock, and any other priority community development activities.   The pearl farming industry is an opportunity to provide non-extractive and environmentally friendly livelihoods for local communities in Fiji. This work is funded by the Blue Action Fund.       Sangeeta Mangubhai Thu, 05 Sep 2019 04:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13039 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12824/MERMAID-A-new-tool-to-protect-coral-reefs.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=12824 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12824&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12824/MERMAID-A-new-tool-to-protect-coral-reefs.aspx The challenge to protect our coral reefs from the impacts of overfishing, land-based human activities and climate change continues. In Fiji, coastal populations are heavily reliant on marine resources for food, and livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s growing economy. Climate change is contributing to the deterioration of coral reef health, globally. According to a study revealed by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)  on the impacts of climate change, it is predicted that by the end of this century, most of world’s coral reefs may severely bleach and die. Bleaching occurs as a result of warm ocean temperatures. There are large investments being made by concerned organisations and people to save the world’s coral reefs. However, more and more communities and decision-makers need information in “real time”, to implement effective management and action plans to improve and sustain the health of coral reefs. Until recently, data collection to better understand coral reef health and resilience has not been easy, as it is time-consuming to enter data without errors, and to provide analysis quickly to assist decision-makers. Recently, a new innovative tool called MERMAID was introduced to the marine scientists and coral reef managers to speed up that process of coral reef data collection. MERMAID — a “Marine Ecological Research Management AID” was developed through the collaboration of scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), World Wildlife Fund and Sparkgeo. The web-based tool works both online and offline for entering and storing data as soon as it collected in the field. MERMAID has made clean and easy to analyse data accessible to coral reef managers and other scientists. Therefore, it is becoming one of the key technological tools for WCS scientists and partners to help protect coral reefs around the globe. Marine scientists of WCS in Fiji have field tested and are now using MERMAID to effortlessly to store local coral reef monitoring data. They have also been entering coral bleaching data into MERMAID to document and follow mild coral bleaching in Fiji in 2019, and produce a factsheet for decision-makers.    This project is funded by the Flora Family Foundation. Arishma Devi Tue, 23 Jul 2019 01:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12824 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12538/Fisheries-management-tools-to-safeguard-fisheries-resources-for-Ovalau-Island.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=12538 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12538&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12538/Fisheries-management-tools-to-safeguard-fisheries-resources-for-Ovalau-Island.aspx The village headman of Nauono on the island of Ovalau, locally known as Ipa, believes he and the residents of his village are responsible for creating sustainable fisheries resources for their children’s future.During a fisheries management training in May 2019 on Ovalau, Ipa conveyed this strong sentiment as he spoke to village representatives and the team from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) about the importance of the sea.Through collaborative implementation of fisheries management tools, he hopes that the island of Ovalau will be able to safeguard resources for the future generation to access. Therefore, to obtain a better understanding of fisheries management tools, representatives from the districts of Bureta, Lovoni Nasinu and Levuka attended the 3-day workshop on the island which was supported by the Lomaiviti Provincial Council and Ministry of Fisheries. The workshop was also an opportunity for the village representatives to share their views on a way forward to preserving the marine resources of the island. Size limits and spawning aggregation, fisheries closure design and tabu area (fisheries closures) management for sustainable harvest were among the tools discussed. They were further explained about the national restrictions on fishing gears, sustainable fishing practices, licensing and good land-use practices that could help reduce the decline of their local fisheries. Importantly, WCS team worked with the village representatives from Ovalau to use a fisheries diagnostic tool, to garner their perceptions of the health of their surrounding marine habitats, fisheries stock (finfish and non-finfish), resource units of concern, management regimes currently in place, and current threats to fisheries resources. The village representatives discussed broadly collaborative methods to manage local threats to fisheries which included avoidance of harvests of small sized fishes, unsustainable fishing gears and practices, unnecessary littering, excessive logging near streams, animal farming near streams etc. To ensure active engagement from participants, several activities were conducted such as question and answer session on species and their home ranges and designing management tools such as tabu for their areas. The village representatives were happy to learn about the benefits that these tools had for them and discussed each one thoroughly, so that they could choose the best fisheries management tools for their communities. Thus they will return to their villages to discuss these tools with their village chiefs. To get feedback and implementation plans for the fisheries management tools from the communities, WCS will conduct a follow up meeting. This will also suggest if the communities are willing to integrate these tools in their currently ongoing ecosystem-based management plans. The training was conducted through the guidelines from the ‘Facilitators Guide to Community-based Fisheries Management’ was put together by Rebecca Weeks (James Cook University) and Stacy Jupiter (WCS) with guidance from the Fiji Locally-Managed Marine Area Network, Ministry of Fisheries, University of the South Pacific, World Wide Fund for Nature, and cChange. The workshop was generously funded by David and Lucile Packard Foundation, John D. and Catherine T.  MacArthur Foundation.     Epeli Loganimoce Thu, 04 Jul 2019 09:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12538 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12485/Community-launches-management-plan-to-protect-mud-crab-fishery.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=12485 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12485&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12485/Community-launches-management-plan-to-protect-mud-crab-fishery.aspx In Fiji, the mud crab (Scylla serrata) or qari is always in high market demand and sells at lucrative prices. Women fishers play a dominant role in the mud crab fishery in Fiji. They use traditional knowledge and techniques to catch mud crabs from within the mangroves, often with their bare hands. Unfortunately, the growing demand for mud crabs is resulting in an increase in the number of small size crabs being sold at the local markets, often through unsustainable practices. Continuous over harvesting and capturing of undersized mud crabs is resulting in declines in mud crabs in the wild in some places. Realising the need to protect their mud crab fishery, the Navunievu community (Waitabu and Tacilevu villages) in the Province of Bua, committed to a three-year Mud Crab Management Plan in 2018. The management plan was developed through community consultations and was supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Ministry of Fisheries. One of the core objectives of the plan was to train the mud crab catchers (who were primarily women) on harvesting, post-harvest fattening techniques to improve the income generated from sales at local markets.For the plan to be effective, the community agreed to comply with the legal minimum size limit of 125 mm, prohibit the catching of female berried (egg carrying) crabs and establishing a tabu area (temporal fishing closure) to build up the stocks in the mangroves. The crab catchers in Navunievu community were not only trained on harvesting techniques but provided wristbands to measure the size of each crab they caught. Undersized crabs are left in the wild to grow. Fishers were also provided logbooks to record information on their weekly catches. By complying with the restrictions in their management plan, the Navunievu community are already seeing the economic benefits – these being, improved income for their families. Mud crabs can produce a lot of young in a short time. If the community remain committed to implementing and monitoring their management plan, they should quickly see an increase in the size and number of mud crabs in their mangrove forests within 1 to 2 years.  This project is generously funded by Flora Family Foundation and David and Lucile Packard Foundation.     Arishma Devi Sat, 15 Jun 2019 05:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12485 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12478/Fisheries-outcomes-maximized-through-traditional-practice.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=12478 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12478&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12478/Fisheries-outcomes-maximized-through-traditional-practice.aspx A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology has found a possible solution to one of the biggest conservation and livelihood challenges in the marine realm. The study’s authors—researchers from the California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), Swansea University, the University of Rhode Island (URI) and other groups—have found that fishing grounds with areas that are closed to fisheries but are periodically harvested are better than fishing grounds with permanent, no-take marine protected areas (MPAs). Further, the researchers found that such “pulse” harvest MPAs also perform better than traditional measures that aim to keep fisheries at maximum sustainable yield. This research could help revolutionize fisheries management and settle a long-running debate between fisheries management and conservation sectors about the role of MPAs in balancing potential for stock recovery and maintaining yields.At the crux of the matter is the current model of fishing closures. Conservationists have argued that permanently closed, no-take MPAs are an effective means of mediating overfishing and allowing stock replenishment, and many global conservation agencies are thus calling on high levels of protection in 30 percent of the world’s oceans.However, MPAs can shift fishing effort into remaining fishing grounds. More crowded fishing grounds can make it harder to find fish, thus reducing catch efficiency and driving up costs for the industry to maintain steady yields. Fisheries managers have long championed tools such as quotas and access restrictions—the second management strategy to prevent overfishing and let fish populations rebuild—to try to maintain sustainable catches. However, global declines in fish stocks have called into question whether these measures on their own are effective enough. Therein lies a tradeoff, where managers seemingly need to balance competing objectives for keeping fish in the sea and fish on the dinner plate. The researchers considered a third management strategy that is commonly implemented by small-scale fishers across the Pacific, who periodically open their fisheries closures to pulse harvests, similar to a rotational harvest model. Like permanent no-take MPAs, these periodic closures temporarily displace fishing effort and thus can promote stock recovery during the intervals while they are closed. Most importantly, however, many of the fish protected within the closure become less wary of fishing gear, giving large boosts to harvest efficiency when the closures are temporarily opened. The researchers developed innovative bioeconomic fisheries models that incorporated this documented fish behavioral response to protection. “We found that in a well-managed fishery, fishing grounds with periodic closures continuously outperformed those with non-spatial management and permanently closed MPAs for achieving the triple bottom-line objectives of simultaneously supporting high yields, stock abundance and harvest efficiency,” said Dr. Stacy Jupiter, WCS Melanesia Regional Director. The outcomes were maximized with closures for 1-2 year periods, followed by pulse harvests within a single year.  Lead author Paul Carvalho, formerly of CalPoly and presently at URI, added: “We were impressed by how well periodic closures continued to perform under different scenarios. Across a large range of closure durations, closure sizes, fish population growth rates and movement patterns, fishing grounds with periodic closures consistently gave the best combined outcomes for stock, yield and catch efficiency.” Dr. Fraser Januchowski-Hartley at Swansea University further explained: “While recreational and small-scale fishers across the world know that fish behavior can change because of fishing and protection, it normally isn’t included in management models. These results show the importance of considering changing fish behavior and its impact on catch when designing fisheries management regimes.” In fact, the only scenarios where periodic closures did not come out on top were under extreme overfishing, where the harvest efficiency benefit was too small for the periodic closure strategy to best meet the three objectives compared with permanent no-take MPAs. “Less than 25 percent of global fisheries are currently characterized by this extreme level of overfishing,” explains Prof. Crow White of CalPoly. “For these fisheries, permanent no-take MPAs may be critical for any chance at stock recovery. For the remaining three-fourths, periodic closures should be considered as an option to balance conservation and sustainable development needs for the fishing sector.” The authors of the study titled “Optimized fishing through periodically harvested closures” are: Paul G. Carvalho of the University of Rhode Island; Stacy Jupiter of WCS; Dr. Fraser Januchowski-Hartley of Swansea University; Jordan Goetze of Curtin University; Joachim Claudet of PSL Université Paris and Laboratoire d'Excellence (French Polynesia); Rebecca Weeks of James Cook University; Austin Humphries of the University of Rhode Island; and Crow White of California Polytechnic State University. This study was supported by a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation to the Wildlife Conservation Society and a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Research Award to the lead author. Stacy Jupiter Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12478 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12457/Gender-and-social-inclusion-in-fisheries-management.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=12457 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12457&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12457/Gender-and-social-inclusion-in-fisheries-management.aspx Most of the Pacific’s population is coastal, and therefore our people are highly reliant on inshore fisheries for their food and livelihood needs. What most people don’t realise or appreciate is that women make up a large percentage of those involved in formal and informal fisheries sector. In many cases, women are the primary protein and/or income supporter for their families. Despite this, women are often excluded from governance and decision-making, and are not afforded the same opportunities as others, to raise their issues and concerns, and be part of the solutions for sustainable fisheries management. The same can also be said for youth, the elderly, and those living with disabilities.  Currently, we are seeing unprecedented regional and global commitments towards addressing gender inequality in coastal fisheries. For example, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication in 2015, to provide principles and guidance to countries on addressing small-scale fisheries. Two years later FAO released specific guidelinesTowards gender-equitable small-scale fisheries governance and development. There guidelines draw on numerous human rights conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, to promote social development and improve governance in developing country fisheries, particularly of vulnerable and marginalized fishing groups.  Unfortunately, the inclusion of gender in fisheries management in the Pacific is hindered by the fact that these issues are often addressed by separate ministries and are poorly integrated or mainstreamed into sectors such as fisheries. Without the knowledge, tools or enabling conditions for integration, fisheries managers and practitioners will continue to struggle to ensure fisheries management approaches are holistic, inclusive of gender and all stakeholder groups, and are uniquely tailored to the Pacific.  There is also a great divide between “guidelines” and “practice” on the ground. To address this,  a handbook on Pacific Gender Equity and Social Inclusion in Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture was launched by the Pacific Community (SPC) in April this year. The handbook was developed by 30 people from 20 different organisations including the SPC and Wildlife Conservation Society, and is reflective of the importance of this work in the Pacific. The handbook provides practical guidance for Pacific Island government staff and practitioners working in fisheries and aquaculture.  The modules are structured around the tasks such as the planning and implementation of projects and programmes, including social analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and policy development. It also focuses on the responsibilities of Pacific Island governments to help promote sustainable development outcomes for people who rely on coastal fisheries for their livelihoods. Later this year another four modules will be developed on community engagement, coastal fisheries management, sustainable livelihoods, and oceanic fisheries.  But why is gender and social inclusion important in the fisheries sector? Gender equality is central to sustainable fisheries management, and ultimately to improve livelihoods and food security, especially for the most vulnerable. It is important to understand gender equality is not about promoting women over men, or promoting practices that are disrespectful to men or to our Pacific Island cultures. It is about recognizing the different and complimentary roles that men and women play in fisheries, and how these roles define who has the power, who has the influence, and who ultimately is making decisions about how fisheries resources are used or allocated.  Put another way, sustainable fisheries in the Pacific will be hard to achieve, if we only engage or support the aspirations of half the population. Gender equity and social inclusion, if done correctly, should mean everyone wins! This is what many practitioners in the Pacific are now terming “a people-centric approach”, where everyone counts, and no one is left behind. A copy of the handbook can be freely downloaded from: https://coastfish.spc.int/en/component/content/article/494 Sangeeta Mangubhai Sat, 08 Jun 2019 04:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12457 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12446/Socioeconomic-and-ecological-surveys-to-support-land-sea-management-of-Ovalau-Island-Fiji.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=12446 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12446&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12446/Socioeconomic-and-ecological-surveys-to-support-land-sea-management-of-Ovalau-Island-Fiji.aspx Fijians have strong roots and connections with the Pacific Ocean that surrounds them. They are highly dependent on the bounty of the ocean for their livelihoods and daily food, especially those communities residing in the rural coastal areas. For generations, Fijian communities have also helped make fish and other seafood available and accessible to consumers in urban areas, who frequent markets around the country. However, the challenge is how to continue supplying seafood sustainably without damaging habitats or depleting natural resources completely. Unfortunately, climate change induced changes in weather patterns and natural disasters, as well as land-based human activities are significantly degrading coral reef systems. Tropical Cyclone Winston which struck Fiji in February 2016 caused extensive damage to coral reefs, including those around Ovalau Island in the Lomaiviti Province. To assist in their recovery, communities on Ovalau Island opened their tabu areas (fisheries closures) to harvest their resources for food and income soon after the cyclone. To find out how the coral reefs and communities have recovered from the Tropical Cyclone Winston’s, a team from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) spent two weeks in May on Ovalau Island conducting socioeconomic and dive surveys. The dive team, led by myself and Dr. Emily Darling from the WCS Global Marine Program, dove into the serene and open waters of Ovalau for 6 days. Together we surveyed 17 sites around the island, including areas within and outside community tabu areas, and across different habitats. Once under the water, we counted fish and recorded coral cover ‒ these are important indicators of how healthy a coral reef system is. We found reefs were still clearly recovering from the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston, and areas that were clearly heavily fished. We also found some reefs choking from sediments coming off the land. But it was not all doom and gloom. There were reefs, particularly those a little further from shore, that were vibrant and flourishing. There was a high diversity of corals and the reefs buzzing with fish life. These “reefs of hope” are critical for the recovery of the more damaged reefs. While the dive team was busy under the water, a second team conducted household surveys in the 8 villages around Ovalau Island to better understand the reliance local communities have on their marine resources, for both livelihoods and food security. Communities shared their perspectives on traditional practices such as tabus, they use for maintaining the health of the coral reefs. Some wanted to restrict catch sizes and protect spawning aggregation sites for fish reproduction, to address key threats and to maintain the productivity of their marine systems. We hope the socioeconomic and coral reef data will prove valuable for local communities who are working together to develop a vision for their island. Over the next 1.5 years, all the communities on Ovalau Island will be identifying the main threats to their natural resources, both on land and in the sea, and developing strategies to address these. Included in this, will be strategies to help communities be better prepared for future climate change impacts and natural disasters. Calls have been made by locals to be more inclusive, so that for example, women can equally participate in decision-making on natural resources. With the support of the Lomaiviti Provincial Office and WCS, the local communities hope to make a management plan over the entire island and the surrounding coral reefs. This will also include Levuka, the old capital for Fiji which is currently listed as a World Heritage Site. This work is generously funded by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Yashika Nand Fri, 07 Jun 2019 11:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12446 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10249/Land-owning-unit-secures-lease-agreement-for-the-protection-of-its-forest.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=10249 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10249&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10249/Land-owning-unit-secures-lease-agreement-for-the-protection-of-its-forest.aspx All the hard work and determination of mataqali Nadicake, landowning unit within the village of Kilaka in Kubulau District, Bua Province, paid off after the iTaukei Land Trust Board signed a lease agreement with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) for 99 years to safeguard and ensure the long-term protection of Kilaka forest. This will be the first forest conservation area that will be managed by the community in partnership with WCS, and is a great example of community engagement in forest conservation in Bua Province. The landowning unit has been voluntarily protecting its forest since 2006 and will now be receiving rental payment for Kilaka Forest Conservation Area that covers 402 hectares of native, near-pristine, highly biodiverse forests.  Kilaka Forest is a national priority for Fiji that has received the endorsement of the National Protected Areas Committee. WCS, in consultation with the landowning unit has developed a management plan for the Kilaka Forest Conservation Area that was launched by the Fiji Minister for Forests, Mr Osea Naiqamu in November, 2016 to assist the landowners in protecting the mature native trees greatly sought by logging companies, traditional medicines and the diverse plant species. The Ministry of Forests has also trained two members of the landowning unit who have now become registered forest wardens. These wardens will play a key role in ensuring rules and activities in the management plan are adhered to, observed and closely monitored. WCS Policy Adviser, Ruci Lumelume who has been working with the Kilaka communities says the lease agreement would be the first of its kind in the Bua Province whereby communities are directly involved in the protection of their forests. “The conservation lease signifies a stronger and closer partnership between WCS and the landowning unit Nadicake that holds the tenure for the Kilaka forest,” she said. “The conservation lease ensures that the native indigenous species of trees in the forests are protected and maintained, clean water source is also maintained and sedimentation often caused by logging affecting the coastal areas and reefs downstream is minimised and controlled.” Fiji as signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Kilaka Forest Conservation Area would contribute to Aichi target  11 to protect at least 17% of  terrestrial areas especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes. The forest is an important carbon sink and therefore contributes to Fiji’s commitments on climate change. Kelera Varawa Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10249 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10248/Encouraging-mud-crab-fishers-in-Bua-to-sell-quality-crabs.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=10248 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10248&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10248/Encouraging-mud-crab-fishers-in-Bua-to-sell-quality-crabs.aspx For most women mud crab fishers within the districts of Kubulau, Bua, Navakasiga and Lekutu in Bua Province, mud crab collection is part of their everyday lives and a great source of food and livelihoods. Despite the growing demand for mud crabs in the local market, mud crab fishers in these communities need to sell the right size and high-quality mud crabs in order earn a reasonable income. A value chain analysis of the mud crab fishery by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) found that though these communities are selling mud crabs regularly, they are still getting lower prices for their crabs as compared to other fishers who sell at the bigger markets in Viti Levu. In many instances, women are getting lower prices than their male counterparts. WCS has since been working with these communities to improve their livelihoods and to encourage them to have a management plan in place to protect critical mangrove habitats they are reliant on and to ensure that their mud crab fishery is sustainable. Recently, a team including representatives from the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and a technician from a local mud crab company, The Crab Company (Fiji), visited four districts to teach mud crab fishers techniques to improve the quality of their mud crabs. The workshops were held in Waisa and Navunievu Village. Mud crab fishers were introduced to the following: How to clear proposed area for fattening cages, without causing unnecessary harm to mangroves; Making fattening cages or pens from locally sourced materials; How to assess the quality of a mud crab, and what the market is interested in; Techniques of handling and storing mud crabs in containers Stocking and feeding of mud crabs in cages The mud crab fattening technique ensures fishers add weight to “thin” adult crabs, so they earn more from their sales. This is done by keeping thin mud crabs in cages made of local materials in mangrove areas and feeding these crabs from a few days to two weeks depending on how thin the crabs are. Mud crabs only need one-tenth of their body weight in feed each day to grow and fill out their shell. WCS conservation officer, Margaret Fox who has been working with these communities stressed that the mud crab fattening technique was only for crabs caught within the legal size limit as per Fiji’s Fisheries Act i.e. with a minimum carapace width of 5 inches or 12.5 centimetres. “Also, this fattening technique is not recommended for berried female crabs (crabs with eggs) as these crabs need to be left in the wild and not caught so they could release their eggs to safeguard the sustainability of the mud crab fishery,” she said. Margaret added that participants were amazed at the new techniques they were taught as these would now help them better improve the quality of mud crabs they sell. Kelera Varawa Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10248 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10247/Villagers-take-action-to-sustainably-harvest-sea-cucumbers-to-meet-their-livelihoods.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=10247 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10247&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10247/Villagers-take-action-to-sustainably-harvest-sea-cucumbers-to-meet-their-livelihoods.aspx For most islands and coastal villages in Fiji, sea cucumbers or sasalu is considered a treasured resource that many have relied on for income for many years. It is a commodity that has been traded by Fijians since the early 1800s and continues today with many communities still heavily relying on it for their livelihoods. High demand from the Asian market has led to it becoming a multi-million dollar industry globally. As a result, more and more communities have been collecting sea cucumbers further afield and to deeper depths with the use of SCUBA gear, and this has led to the severe overexploitation of sea cucumber stocks throughout Fiji. Apart from an awareness program to help communities better understand about the negative impact of overexploiting their sea cucumber stock, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has also embarked on a community support program to assist villagers improve the way they process sea cucumbers so that they can get a better price for their product. The idea being if they can “value-add” and get a higher price, this might take away the pressure to collect large numbers at any one time. WCS is currently working with the villages of Natuvu in Cakaudrove Province and Saolo in Bua Province who have reasonably healthy stocks to implement a community-based sea cucumber management plan to protect their sea cucumber stock by sustainably harvesting. In June 2017, a team led by WCS fisheries officer, Watisoni Lalavanua headed to two villages, Natuvu and Saolo villages to provide training on post-harvest processing of sea cucumbers using regional standards that were developed recently through an ACIAR Project, and in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC). The main objective of the training was to train fishers in best practices of processing sea cucumbers into high-quality bêche-de-mer. More than 60 villagers were part of the training. Participants learned how to handle sea cucumbers while harvesting from the sea, the proper gutting method, and how to cook, salt, smoke and dry the product. Most importantly, they learned how following these best practices would fetch a higher market price, and hence they should not need to harvest so intensely and can afford to reduce their fishing pressure on fast dwindling stocks. The fishers were also given a i-Taukei version of the ACIAR produced sea cucumber processing manual and a DVD for their future reference.   Kelera Varawa Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10247 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9321/Study-Finds-Fijis-Fishing-Communities-Struggling-In-Wake-of-Cyclone-Winston.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=9321 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9321&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9321/Study-Finds-Fijis-Fishing-Communities-Struggling-In-Wake-of-Cyclone-Winston.aspx Survey highlights food security concerns stemming from loss of fishing infrastructure Recommendations include replacement of low-impact fishing gear and government support to coastal villages   Fishing-dependent communities in Fiji experienced decreased food security and loss of livelihoods in the wake of Cyclone Winston, according to a post-disaster survey conducted by the WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). In addition to severely impacting the lives of 40 percent of Fiji’s population, the storm also caused nearly $1.5 million in damage to boats and fishing equipment vital to the livelihoods and dietary needs of coastal communities. A post-disaster survey led by WCS at the request of Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries revealed that consumption of fresh fish in many communities has drastically decreased as a result of the damage caused by the cyclone. The report titled, Impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston on Fisheries-Dependent Communities in Fiji, is the result of recent efforts by WCS and its Fiji-based partners to gauge the impact of the storm on communities most reliant on fishing and to inform national rehabilitation and recovery efforts. “It seems that the damage to fishing infrastructure in many villages has greatly reduced the ability of these communities to secure the marine resources on which they previously depended,” said Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai, Country Director of the WCS-Fiji Program. “What needs to follow is a recovery program that helps fishers and communities use low-impact fishing gear that will enable them to fish for subsistence.  Additionally, there must be a reduction or halt on the distribution of commercial licenses for fishing at inshore coral reefs, seagrass and mangrove habitats that were severely damaged by the cyclone. At these sites, communities will need alternative livelihoods to give their reefs a fighting chance of recovery.”   Between the months of April and May, researchers from WCS, the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network, University of the South Pacific, the Coral Reef Alliance, and Global Volunteers International surveyed 154 villages that were directly in the path of Cyclone Winston when it made landfall on February 20, 2016. A survey distributed among the affected communities indicated a dramatic decrease in the availability of fresh fish. Instead of eating freshly caught fish six times a week, many coastal households saw their fish consumption drop to less than 2.5 times a week. In Lomaiviti—the province that suffered the highest degree of storm-related damage to fishing gear, freezers, and other equipment—community members could barely manage one meal of fish per week. Coastal communities are also struggling to supply fresh fish to their local schools. The percentage of villages providing fresh fish to schools on Moturkiri Island dropped from 100 to 30 percent; on Koro Island, where previously 60 percent of all villages supplied fish for schools, the percentage of contributing villages dropped to zero. The report presents a ranking system that helps to identify those communities most in need.  It will be used to inform a targeted recovery plan based on the criteria of a community’s ability to restore its livelihoods and fishing activities, and its dependency on fisheries. Some of the recommendations generated by the survey include:  Replacing fishing gear with low impact gear such as hook-and-line to restore food security to pre-cyclone levels; Including gender-specific data of fishing gear ownership in replacement decisions and actions (i.e. spear guns are more likely to be used by men, whereas hook-and-line gear are used largely by women); Considering the ecological impacts to inshore reef habitat before issuing commercial licenses for community fishing grounds; and Providing funds for boat and engine repairs in communities most impacted by the storm. Taking a cross-sectoral approach between different government agencies like agriculture and fisheries, to address food and livelihood needs of coastal villages.   “The data generated by the survey will help government, NGOs and development agencies direct assistance and resources to communities, depending on their degree of need, in a manner that ensures transparency,” added Mangubhai. “It will also help us to restore livelihoods and fisheries in a way that protects the natural resources needed for future stability.”   CONTACT: JOHN DELANEY: (1-718-220-3275; jdelaney@wcs.org) STEPHEN SAUTNER: (1-718-220-3682; ssautner@wcs.org)     Kelera Varawa Sun, 02 Oct 2016 20:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9321 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8930/After-Winston-Assessing-Coral-Reefs-for-Cyclone-Damage-and-Coral-Bleaching.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=8930 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8930&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8930/After-Winston-Assessing-Coral-Reefs-for-Cyclone-Damage-and-Coral-Bleaching.aspx This is the first in a series of blogs by WCS-Fiji Director Sangeeta Mangubhai assessing the damage to coral reefs caused by Cyclone Winston, a Category 5 storm that hit Fiji on February 20. Click here for more Kelera Varawa Mon, 16 May 2016 19:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8930 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2611/WCS-Fiji-assists-displaced-communities-following-Cyclone-Winston.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=2611 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2611&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2611/WCS-Fiji-assists-displaced-communities-following-Cyclone-Winston.aspx A team from the Wildlife Conservation Society Fiji country program has taken food, water, clothes and other essential items to assist the Ra Provincial Council to address the need of the communities that were badly affected following Tropical Cyclone Winston last week. The Cyclone caused havoc in the province of Ra, Lomaiviti and Bua with thousands of people in these islands and villages being completely displaced from their homes.  Tue, 01 Mar 2016 05:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2611 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2610/Kilaka-Forest-Conservation-Area.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=2610 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2610&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2610/Kilaka-Forest-Conservation-Area.aspx WCS has worked with the communities of Kubulau District, Bua Province, for over 10 years and has developed a strong working relationship with the Nadicake mataqali (clan) from Kilaka village that holds land tenure over the Kilaka forest.In 2006, the clan made a commitment to protect the forest on the land parcel over which they hold tenure for at least 10 years. Although not legally binding, this commitment included a promise not to lease the land for logging. Thu, 25 Feb 2016 04:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2610 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2609/Safeguarding-wildlife-in-Lomaiviti-province.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=2609 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2609&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2609/Safeguarding-wildlife-in-Lomaiviti-province.aspx A traditional fisherman, Rusiate Valenitabua instinctively knows the spawning seasons of different marine animals, fishing techniques unique to his village as well as the role that mangroves play in sheltering communities. From the coastal village of Nukui in Rewa, Rusiate Valenitabua now lives in Lomaiviti as the newly appointed provincial conservation officer.   Thu, 25 Feb 2016 04:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2609 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2608/Mud-crabs-what-are-they-really-worth.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=2608 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2608&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2608/Mud-crabs-what-are-they-really-worth.aspx Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Department of Fisheries staff are partnering up a second time this year to look at seafood supply chains in Fiji. Learning from our experience with the sea cucumbers, we are conducting a series of surveys to understand and map out the mud crab fishery in Bua Province all the way from the fisher to consumer. Thu, 25 Feb 2016 04:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2608 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8582/Mud-crabs-what-are-they-really-worth.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=8582 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8582&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8582/Mud-crabs-what-are-they-really-worth.aspx Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Department of Fisheries staff are partnering up a second time this year to look at seafood supply chains in Fiji. Learning from our experience with the sea cucumbers, we are conducting a series of surveys to understand and map out the mud crab fishery in Bua Province all the way from the fisher to consumer. Kelera Varawa Thu, 25 Feb 2016 00:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8582 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8581/Safeguarding-wildlife-in-Lomaiviti-province.aspx#Comments 0 https://fiji.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=3161&ModuleID=24942&ArticleID=8581 https://fiji.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8581&PortalID=82&TabID=3161 https://fiji.wcs.org/Blog/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8581/Safeguarding-wildlife-in-Lomaiviti-province.aspx A traditional fisherman, Rusiate Valenitabua instinctively knows the spawning seasons of different marine animals, fishing techniques unique to his village as well as the role that mangroves play in sheltering communities. From the coastal village of Nukui in Rewa, Rusiate Valenitabua now lives in Lomaiviti as the newly appointed provincial conservation officer. Kelera Varawa Thu, 25 Feb 2016 00:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8581