At least thirty percent of Fiji’s oceans and coastal waters (qoliqoli) will become marine protected areas by 2020. That’s one of the many commitments made by Fiji at the International meeting of Small Island Developing States currently underway in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Kaliopate Tavola, who is leading Fiji’s delegation, said this new commitment would establish Fiji as a world leader in marine conservation. “This commitment will enable Fiji to honour targets set at the World Summit on Sustainable Development under the Convention on Biological Diversity. He also assured that under this 15-year marine conservation plan; government will provide alternative sources of livelihood for communities that will be affected by the conservation plan.
Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pacific has welcomed Fiji’s initiative describing Minister Tavola’s commitment as a ‘landmark’ decision. “Equally important is Fiji pledge to work in partnership with local communities, local and international organization on marine conservation,†a WWF statement said.
A key and influential stakeholder is the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA) network group comprising of 40 traditional fishing rights owning groups. These include the University of the South Pacific, international conservation NGO’s such as WWF, the World Conservation Society and Wetlands International, National Trust of Fiji, Mamanuca Environment Association, Resort Support, Peace Corp, Partners in Community Development Fiji and Coral Cay Conservation Society. FLMMA develops community based management plans for fishing areas and provides the expertise to monitor the effectiveness of the conservation plan. It aims to empower communities to take ownership of the management of their marine resources.
Government, through the Ministry of Fisheries has committed to fund the project. To date, of the 410 units of traditional fishing areas, 29 coastal districts are in various stages of implementing the management of their marine protected areas (MPA).
Tui Macuata, Ratu Aisea Katonivere, who’s also attending the SIDS meeting in Mauritius, said his province is working towards declaring its qoliqoli as marine protected areas. “It takes leadership to realize such a paradigm shift. All our villages are looking forward to developing management plans with our partners and seeing our commitment come to life on the reef itself,†said Rau Aisea.