Marine conservation to support Fiji’s culture and economy

Alumeci Nakeke




“Sasalu Tawamudu” is Fijian and refers to the spiritual and everlasting reef resources that Fijians are endowed with as a part of their identity.
Known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”, Fiji’s coral reef system is home to over 2200 species of fish and is one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world.
Surrounding over 300 islands in the tropical South Pacific Ocean, Fiji’s coral reefs cover over 10,000 square kilometres of area and provide for the country’s subsistence and economic livelihood in addition to being a central part of Fiji’s indigenous identity.
Growing populations and increasing demands on resources have left many coral reef areas overexploited and deteriorated.
However, Fijian communities are taking swift action to protect their precious coral reefs and are leading a highly-successful Fiji and Pacific-wide programme of community-based resource management.
Through the Fiji Locally-Managed Marine Areas (FLMMA) programme (www.FLMMA.org), over 300 communities around Fiji are implementing environmental management plans they developed as a way to rejuvenate their culture while nurturing their valuable coral reef resources. 
Communities are supported by FLMMA partner NGOs, educational institutions, researchers and government departments which provide technical assistance and build capacity in communities to empower the communities to be able to monitor, adapt and implement their environmental management plans.
FLMMA activities have assisted communities around Fiji to alter fishing practices, establish no-take Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and work to improve landuse and waste management practices while improving basic standard of living.
Sustainable Fiji Reef Resources is a US-registered not-for-profit corporation (501c3) that supports FLMMA’s educational and capacity building programmes relating to the amazing yet fragile coral reef ecosystem, as well as generates resources for locally managed and implemented environmental and sustainable development projects.
Projects supported include the:
• Development of adaptive environmental management programmes
Communities begin this work with action planning workshops which empower them to identify the root cause of issues related to their environment and resources and assist the community to put together action plans to address the issues. FLMMA partners support and empower communities to implement their management plans and to monitor and evaluate the result. This community-driven participatory approach has proven to be an effective means to replenish depleted marine resources and protect valuable biodiversity in the South Pacific while bolstering local incomes and traditions—a grassroot approach to rural development and conservation of natural resources.
• Production of cultured live rock as a means to sustainably transform aquarium industry trade
By “planting” local manufactured live rock in marine areas, villagers are able to sustainably produce cultured live rock rather than harvesting and removing large areas of coral reef to sell for use in salt water aquariums around the world.
• Planting of coral as an educational, economic, and reef restoration tool
Villagers are learning about coral ecology as they plant corals to restore populations in their marine protected areas. Protected populations act as “seed banks” to restock larger areas of reef. Coral farms are being established to support restoration efforts, and locally-owned and operated guided snorkeling tours developed to finance the farms and provide for the economic needs of villagers.
• Restoration of giant clam populations by stocking village Marine Protected Areas Protected clam stocks act as “seed banks” to restock populations throughout Fiji’s waters. With their massive size and electric colours, giant clams are a popular attraction for snorkellers touring village Marine Protected Areas as well as a local delicacy that can be found in fishing grounds once again.
• Planting of mangroves to protect shorelines and coral reefs
Mangroves are a critical buffer between land and sea that prevent coastal erosion and sedimentation of coral reefs. Mangroves are also an important habitat which is home to many commonly harvested marine species and a nursery for important food fishes. There are also many cultural uses for mangrove trees including dyes made from the bark and medicine obtained from the leaves.
• Improvement of village waste management
Recycling programmes for tin, plastic bottles, and aluminium have begun in many villages, and some are trialling compost bins for kitchen waste and wood chip composting piggeries. Wastewater disposal is another issue being addressed by coastal communities and low-tech easily maintained solutions are being implemented.
You can support FLMMA’s award-winning educational, conservation, and sustainable development efforts by making a tax-deductable donation to our Adopt-a-Coral, Adopt-a-Mangrove, or Adopt-a-Reef projects.
Your contribution sponsors the planting of a coral, mangrove, or protection of coral reef area by Fijian community members as well as supports other community resource management initiatives. Help preserve a culture and sustain the livelihood of a nation. Please visit our website at sasalutawamudu.org