Fiji
Contact Information
- Joeli Veitayaki
School of Marine Studies
University of the South Pacific
Suva, Fiji
veitayaki_j@usp.ac.fj
Lead Institutions
School of Marine Studies (SMS), Institute of Applied Science, and the
International Ocean Institute-Pacific Islands (IOI-PI) at the University
of the South Pacific.
Location
Three sites are included in the assessment: Gau, the fifth largest island
in the country with pristine natural ecosystems; the Greater Suva Harbor,
the lagoon surrounding the largest urban center in the country; and the
Coral Coast, a region in transition with the most extensive tourist development.
Focal Issues
The assessment in Fiji will allow the study of the state of the environment,
existing resource-use practices, the examination of the changes and trends
affecting ecological conditions, and the formulation of the various response
options. Involvement of local communities is a major emphasis.
Key Assessment Features
Fiji is a developing archipelagic state where the main economic activities
include agricultural production, tourism, and the exploitation of natural
resources such as fisheries. The population of Fiji is growing at the rate
of 2.3% annually, and this has led to serious environmental problems that
threaten the ecological integrity of local ecosystems. The sites chosen
for assessment represent areas of different levels of economic development.
Threats to these areas include destructive fishing, coastal erosion, logging,
industrial pollution and waste disposal.
Fiji and the assessment areas.
The Fiji Assessment did not occur due to lack of funding. However, the
lead institutions have continued to do a variety of studies which are providing
useful information. We are hoping for funding assistance to conduct more
assessment.
Some examples of the publication coming out of the current studies include:
- Veitayaki, J., B. Aalbersberg and A. Tawake 2003. Empowering Local
Communities: case study of Votua, Ba, Fiji. Ocean Yearbook 17 (449-463)
E. Mann Borgese, A. Chircop and M. McConnell (eds). Chicago: University
of Chicago Press.
- South, G.R., P.A. Skelton, J. Veitayaki, A. Resture, C. Carpenter
2004. The Global International Waters Assessment for the Pacific Islands:
aspects of transboundary, water and coastal fisheries issues. Ambio.
33 (1): 703 - 711.
- Veitayaki, J., A. Tawake, A. Bogiva, P. Radikedike, S. Meo, N. Ravula,
R. Vave and S. P. Fong 2005. Partnerships and the quest for effective
community based resource management: Mositi Vanuaso Project , Gau Island,
Fiji. Journal of Pacific Studies , 28 (2): 328 – 349.
- Veitayaki, J., A. Tawake, A. Bogiva, P. Radikedike, S. Meo, N. Ravula,
R. Vave and S.P. Fong 2005. Addressing Human Factors in Fisheries Development
and Regulatory Processes in Fiji: - the Mositi Vanuaso experience. Ocean
Yearbook 20. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
- Veitayaki, J., F. Liwaiono, S. Meo, A. Tawake 2006. Caring for the
Environment and the Mitigation of Natural Extreme Events in Vanuaso
Tikina, Gau Island, Fiji: a self-help community initiative. Island Studies
Journal Vol. 1, No. 2.