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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.
© 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment