Fijian village recommits to conservation
If one were to picture an ideal destination in the South Pacific, it would probably look a lot like Nanuca. Palms sway in the gentle breeze and a barrier reef just offshore shields the coast from waves, creating a calm, shallow lagoon perfect for snorkelers to explore. Dense mangroves and old-growth trees offer privacy on a long beach that stretches far into the horizon.
In 2012 the village’s leaders took the lead in protecting all of this natural beauty by setting up two reserves, known as tabu under the traditional system of land and water management that governs much of Fiji’s coastline. This initiative to protect more than 1,300 acres of ocean and mangrove areas quickly caught the attention of Seacology, and two years later we struck an agreement to provide a new multipurpose community hall for the community. Under the leadership of village chief Ratu Maciu Tavanavanua, the people of Nanuca had already made an impressive commitment to sustainability; our project simply formalized it for another 15 years. The results have been impressive. Fish thrive in the tabu areas and beyond; giant clams live undisturbed in the lagoon; the beach remains free of pollution; and the community hall is regularly used to host large community events and meetings.
A nearby resort took notice of Nanuca’s efforts, and in the years since our project began, it has worked with the village to offer snorkeling tours in the expansive marine reserve. This has been a win both for visitors, who get to enjoy the incredible scenery and warm welcome of a traditional Fijian village, and for entrepreneurs in Nanuca who work as guides and offer meals and souvenirs for the guests. The guides also play a direct role in environmental protection, ensuring that snorkelers don’t disturb the wildlife or damage its habitat.
A decade into this successful partnership, we have now agreed to expand the project, extending Nanuca’s pledge to enforce the reserve another 15 years. In exchange, Seacology is funding much-needed supplies to manage and expand Nanuca’s ecotourism initiative, including a computer, furniture, and other basic equipment.
“This is exactly the kind of ecotourism project that Seacology likes to support,” explained Seacology Program Manager Mary Randolph. “It is locally controlled, gives the village an economic incentive to continue protecting its natural resources, will help preserve traditional customs in future generations, and is designed to be self-supporting in a place where it’s very difficult to earn money.”
Despite the recent passing of Ratu Maciu Tavanavanua, his successors (led by his son, Ratu Sepesa Tavanavanua) remain very committed to the project and its goals. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to protect the future of their spectacular coastline.