- 1. Call to support iguana project by Dawn Gibson
Fiji Times – Monday, December 23, 2013
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=255034
The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) is dealing with one of its major projects concentrating on the eradication of the American Iguana. BAF is working together with other agencies towards strengthening inter-island biosecurity measures to minimise the spread of the iguanas.
Urging the support from stakeholders and the public, biologists Rick van Veen has been conducting studies on this invasive creature and has been working hand in hand with the BAF in dealing with the issue. Also on board and really concerned about this project is NatureFiji-MareqetiViti (NFMV).
NFMV director Nunia Thomas had revealed the findings of the report by Mr. Veen and elucidated the high risks this creatures poses. She noted that if less effort is being done to support the project of eradicating the American Iguana, then by estimation, Fiji will be home to one million of them by 2016.
A statement released by BAF explaining the reproductive rate of this Iguana indicates a base population of 2500 with 400 adults was estimated as present on Qamea in 2011. As a result, part of the project includes inspections of vessels and individuals travelling in and out of these creatures biosecurity zone by the authority.
BAF is urging the public to assist the authority in this project and not to be worried about the figure.
- 2. $60K borehole project by Salaseini Moceiwai
Fiji Times – Wednesday, December 25, 2013
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255175
Sigh of reliefs were experienced on the face of Lagi Rd residents in Tabia after the government stepped in with a $60,000 borehole project which was confirmed by Acting Commissioner Northern Alipate Bolalevu. The project was part of the government development projects in trying to improve people’s livelihoods in terms of water, sanitation, health and hygiene.
The residents who have been consuming water from three wells plagued with bacteria as being confirmed by the Ministry of Health were very thankful. Prem Lal a pioneer resident could not remember how long this farming community have been consuming the infested water and they could only thank the timely assistance from the government.
The initiative came about after government agents conducted a few consultation and survey efforts. And as part of the rural development project, the highly recommended bore hole was constructed and has changed the local’s lifestyle.
Mr Bolalevu has also confirmed that their will be other related water assistance given to these residents and it all goes for the betterment and improvement of their health and daily lives.
- 3. A unique tree by Ropate Valemei
Fiji Times – Friday, December 27, 2013
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=2552
Have you ever heard of an artificial Christmas tree? Sounds weird? but that is a common tradition for Tom Davis Rain Tree Lodge. Setting up an unreal decorated pine tree on display for Christmas celebration has been a common practice at the lodge for 15 years and all is directed to the importance of Afforestation. As lodge managing director, Davis stressed out that they would not consider to cut down a living tree, not even for a Christmas tree.
This tradition has seen the use of a plain re-usable frame of just two pieces of timber being put up, draped with tinsel, strung with fairly lights and bedecked with ornaments. What a creative work one would wonder.
It has been a long time since they first started this initiative but it has gain much interest and positive outcome as for the past 15 years, this Fiji’s premier eco-tourism resort has managed to plant about 1000 native trees and other plants to their natural surrounding.
Visiting tourists were amazed at the settings of the lodge which is located close to the famous Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and the tasks the management and staff has engaged with resulting in the beautiful scenario that had surely given these touring visitors an experience they will never forget.
- 4. Fisheries on the lookout by Salaseini Moceiwai
Fiji Times – Friday, December 27, 2013
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255246
Fisheries Department in the Northern Division utilised their festive season engaging in sea and land patrol activities.
Their main objective was on poaching and the selling of under-sized fish. Principal Northern fisheries officer Joji Vakawaletabua alleged that they have been conducting daily inspection at the Labasa fish market. Vendors have been warned of the consequences they will face if they are caught selling under-sized fish and all have been abiding by it very well so far.
Given the high demand during the festive period, fisheries officers have been assigned various tasks in making sure that vendors do not break the law. As part of this initiative, the ministry have also assign officers to conduct awareness programs for poaching out to villages and islands.
- 5. Seaweed project grows into industry by Shalveen Chand
Fiji Times – Sunday, December 29, 2013
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255449
The seaweed project has fast developed into an industry since establishing in the 1980s. Fisheries officer Jope Kavoa pointed out that seaweed has fast became an industry for maritime communities around the country where the ministry is now working on identifying possible export markets. Since it started, there was no market but now they have identified some interests within the local and foreign markets as well.
Bau Island was one of the few places in Fiji to start this great project and since then it has shown positive signs of being able to become an industry of its own. Seaweed can be sold in its natural form but the ministry have been encouraging cultivators to diversify and add value to the product. Such initiatives have seen the production of commodities as jam, noodles, shampoo, soap and even beauty products. It has rake in money for the individual farmers and has helped them financially. Jovesa Nabou, 45 of Bau Island has been farming seaweed and currently has about 500 lines of 10 kilograms of seaweed each. For this he said, it earned him $20 per 10kg which means per line. He was expecting a good yield from all the lines that he has planted.
The ministry has been helping out seaweed cultivators and have set a target to produce 100 tonnes of seaweed.
However, they have announced that meeting the demand of the markets identified is something they and seaweed cultivators have to thoroughly look into before embarking onto any commercial activities.
- 6. Harbour danger by Shalveen Chand
Fiji Times – Tuesday, December 31, 2013
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255617
Concerns have been raised on ships moored in Suva Harbour posing major threats detrimental to the environment and the ecosystems. This was revealed by environment agencies on the recent issues concerning our major port.
According to Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, the result of the 2009 tsunami in Pago Pago Harbour, American Samoa has caused part of the problem.
Ships that used to dock from Pago Pago have been coming to Fiji for maintenance work and have caused not only an eyesore but a congestion issue. Great numbers of these vessels are foreign origins and have been to Suva to use the slipway however; these slipways are not working and are causing the delay.
Apart from the local vessels, these foreign vessels do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji unless they fly a Fiji flag.
Acting harbour master Captain Joji Takape said that changes to maritime laws have created more problems for FPCL in dealing with the issue.
The same problem is being faced in Trinidad and Tobago but the government have passed down a law ensuring derelict vessels and abandoned ships do not become a problem for the country. Capt Takape said that a survey has been conducted on derelict vessels thus a similar situation of what happened from Trinidad and Tobago could be adapted here in Fiji to ease the tension on our harbour.
- 7. Villagers face relocation by Tevita Vuibau
Fiji Times – Tuesday, December 31, 2013
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255622
Effects of climate change have continued to be felt around the country posing huge threats to the local community. Government have been forced to make alternative plans to help with this rising issue that have been causing burdens to coastal communities. Construction of seawalls is one of the current projects the government has initiated to island villages helping them combat the disappearance of their shoreline from rising o sea levels.
The project has seen the construction of seawalls in two villages on the island of Beqa. Commissioner Central Lieutenant Colonel Laisenia Tutubou revealed to Fiji Times that the they have completed construction of seawall on two of the villages of Raviravi and Waisomo and added that the government has granted $100,000 of funds for the construction of seawalls to the remaining villagers on the island. Plans are underway for these projects to be conducted on the island of Naigani and around Bau.
However, there are many faces of effects that climate change presents and for this, Lt-Col Tuitubou has also mentioned that they are not only looking at constructing seawalls but in serious cases, villagers may face relocation and have to relocate to other new locales. This option has to be taken without any consideration because at state, everyone has to consider the severity of the rising water level which could see the flooding and disappearance of low lying islands if actions are not taken.
- 8. Picnickers trash beach by Maciu Malo
Fiji Times – Friday, January 03, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255872
Apisalome Dawai, a beach caretaker on one of the popular picnic beach in the west was left disappointed with actions undertaken by users over the festive seasons. Located on the outskirts of Lautoka Sugar City, Saweni Beach has always been the choice of people in the west for recreation during the festive season. This New Year saw hundreds of people flocking to the beach to enjoy the day.
The beach is privately owned and leased under Saweni Beach Resort for 99 years. Although owned by the resort, people have been using the beach as a spot to enjoy the warm holidays. Mr. Dawai raised the concern after seeing that the beach was left with trash when visitors headed back home after using the spot. Broken glass bottle were in the water and rubbish waste were scattered on the beach. One could imagine the emotions of Mr. Dawai feeling sad seeing that people who used the spot for free did not have any decency to take care of their rubbish and most of all keep the beach surrounding clean and tidy.
- 9. New source identified by Salaseini Moceiwai
Fiji Times – Saturday, January 04, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255951
People at Ura estate on the south of Taveuni could breathe a sigh of relief after a water source has been established facilitating proper water supply. This was announced at the government’s heads of department meeting in Labasa.
WAF regional manager northern, Romulusi Mataitoga said that a team was deployed to the island to investigate the gravity source and find out more about the new project. Over the years the surrounding area has been facing problems in terms of water supply in which Mr. Mataitoga mentioned that all will be solved with the findings of the new water source.
Part of the project was to install pipelines that will direct water supply to every household. There are also major plans proposed this year for the development on the Savusavu sewerage system and this was revealed during a meeting between the divisional planning officer northern and the Roko Tui Cakaudrove in which the landowner’s approval was granted for the project to take place.
- 10. Erosion worries headman by Shalveen Chand
Fiji Times – Saturday, January 04, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=255982
Having the fear of facing similar problems that is happening to islands like Kiribati is something the people of Bau Island are trying to avoid. Over the years this chiefly island has experienced a lot of changes and impacts from Climate change. Speaking to Fiji Times, village headman Josua Dainiteri said that a lot has changed in the last five years. Big waves and rise in sea level has been doing a lot of damage to the outset of the island. The islands sea wall is no longer present to protect the shoreline and all this is related to the size of the waves that has been hitting the islands defence barrier for ages.
Great news however for the people in the island as the government has stepped in with a much anticipated initiative of building their new seawall. The proposed project would see the construction of 1.5meter high wall and almost 500meters in length. This would then mean that the island can be protected once the project is completed.
- 11. Villagers harvest seaweed by Salaseini Moceiwai
Fiji Times – Sunday, January 05, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=256062
Seaweed is one of Fiji’s new commodities on sale in our local market which has benefited farmers financially. Villagers of Kavewa and Lakeba in Macuata have been engaging with seaweed farming and are starting to reap the rewards of their efforts. The project was initially proposed by the Fisheries department for the two villages and since then villagers have harvested almost one and a half tonne of seaweed. Principal fisheries officer Northern Joji Vakawaletabua told Fiji Times that a tonne of dried seaweed costs around $800 and this has really boosted the livelihood of the villagers.
School term starts in few weeks time and the people of Kavewa and Lakeba could not worry too much as these income will help them with their back to school shopping. Mr Vakawaletabua also mentioned that the ministry is having plans to enforce the project of seaweed farming to coastal villages and they have been urging villagers to take serious consideration on such initiatives. With this implemented future plans, the department of fisheries has also play a major role in the development of this project helping farmers with the provision of equipment’s and continuous monitoring of the farms.
- 12. Villagers pins hope on sandalwood farm by Repeka Nasiko
Fiji Times – Monday, January 06, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=256135
Trying to live up with today’s cost of living can be an eye soaring issue one would not live without struggling. But for Nasau villager Meli Naisele, the idea of utilizing resources that Mother Nature has provided has helped him adhere to everyday real life situations.
The man from Navitilevu in Ra has been involved with sandalwood farming. His interest to cultivate sandalwood was initiated after a workshop organised by Nature Fiji was conducted in his village. One of the main objectives of the workshop was to educate the locals on projects they could organise to help them earn a living. Without hesitation, Mr Naisele took the best out of the workshop and put it into practice and is now reaping the rewards. The villager’s main source of income has always been from the sale of coconuts and sasa brooms.
Mr Naisele said that through the workshop, Nature Fiji provided books on how to start farming sandalwood. Initially he faced difficulties setting up a nursery and as he explained, the village is also experiencing impacts of climate change. As a result, they had less area of land and this was a burden experienced by him as he had to walk to an area far away from the village to be able to set up his own nursery.
Interestingly, he began the nursery with 400 seedlings and by watering the plant and proper nurturing he managed to grow a thousand of it sometimes later and currently at this point in time he has able to grow 4000 seedlings. Something someone can class as a great effort by a hardworking individual.
On the same note, valuing these trees for commercial sale would cost around $30,000 for each tree. Hoping to expand his farm, Mr Naisele urges every local people that whatever he has illustrated could also be adapted by them and could come in handy during this time of hardships.
- 13. Oil spill by Siteri Sauvakacola
Fiji Times – Wednesday, January 08, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=256278
Concerns have been raised after villagers found oil spilled in the sea beside their village in Kinoya Village, Suva. Kinoya village headman Kaminieli Volau raised the alarm after it has been two weeks since it was first noticed. He said that it has been a common occurrence for sometimes and they fear that it could affect their livelihoods especially since they depend on the sea for survival.
The Environment Department had looked into the matter and it has been reviewed that a clean up by Pernix (Telesource) at the Kinoya power station was the cause of the spill. However, FEA CEO Hasmukh Patel confirmed that the spillage has been contained and cleaned from the site. He also assured the villagers that such incidence would not occur again in the future.
- 14. Villagers to move to into new homes by Serafina Silaitoga
Fiji Times – Wednesday, January 15, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=256963
The Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama opened a new relocated village up in the Northern district of Cakaudrove. Villagers of Vunidogoloa woke up to a new beginning as they were handed in to their new homes. The new site was constructed under the government climate change program of relocating those who were facing direct effects.
During high tide this village has always been flooded and have been a major threat to their daily livelihood. The newly constructed site cost the government around $879,000 and this costing goes directly in the building of 30 new houses, fish ponds and copra drier, farm and other projects. Acting Commissioner Northern Alipate Bolalevu explained that government department have worked together with the Fisheries Department being in charge with the fish pond and the Agriculture Ministry will help the villagers with farming practices. With this commitment, the relocation project was a success. The government is also considering the same project to other villages in the North that are being affected by Climate change.
- 15. Training for Fish Wardens by Victor Bonito
Fiji Times – Thursday, January 16, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=257098
A workshop was conducted in the district of Korolevu-i-wai hosted by its committee and Reef Explorer in Tagaqe village with the main objective of mapping out strategies to address local fisheries management issues in the New Year 2014. The workshop was funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in the US which was attended by representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Korolevu Community Police Post, Reef Explorer and twenty-two community members serving as honorary fish wardens in the Coral Coast district.
Fish wardens are prepared so that in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Police, they are able to promote awareness to the community enhancing their understanding on bi laws that have been regulated to encourage best fishing practices are followed.
The vanua of Davutukia has taken the initiative seriously in establishing fish wardens to every village bounded under the vanua. According to Vonivate Damu, a clan leader from Tagaqe, they have been waiting for this moment for a long time especially since population have been growing and also the issue of overfishing. Damu explained that the district of Korolevu-i-wai need to recognise how they have damaged their local fisheries and coral reefs so badly that they could lose it forever. They also need to understand how vulnerable these resources are and how important they need to look after them for the future generation. In saying this statement, Damu was aware that these fisheries grounds of the district of Korolevu-i-wai provided ecosystem services valued at over $20,000,000 per year and that they have a huge task to work on in educating the locals on conserving their resources.
Additionally, despite the provision of these services and understanding how they will need to use up resources to cater for their service components, another problem that was identified is that the local are less aware or do not have any ideas of the rules and regulations that the government has put down concerning fisheries grounds. Acting chairman of the district’s environment committee, Josua Kilioni said that many people in the district were unaware of any laws imposed by the government. And even though the vanua have declared these practices to villagers, there are still people who break the rules and go out fishing. But nothing could be done or to blame anyone as these people depend on the sea for their livelihood.
However, gratitude goes out to the Department of Fisheries and the Police for agreeing to support the work of fish wardens in partnership to stop illegal fishing practices along the Coral Coast. During the workshop, fish wardens were handed tool kits that includes binoculars, cameras, mobile phones, torches, log books, operating guidelines and other educational materials and copies of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. These items is to equip them with their daily work and have been found useful by Votua village headman Ilimeleki Turagaroro saying that with the binoculars he could monitor fishing activities at their qoliqoli without leaving his backyard. He added that the camera will be helpful in providing evidence of any illegal happenings that he will discover.
Sgt Yauvoli also confirmed that they will be working closely with wardens to improve enforcement of and compliance to Fiji’s fisheries laws. And he has also encouraged the locals to support them as well in conserving our natural surroundings.
- 16. Research to protect turtle population by Luke Rawalai
Fiji Times – Monday, January 20, 2014
https://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=257454
World Wide Fund for Nature carried out one of their major research projects on Yadua Island. Funded by WWF South Pacific’s Marine Species Program, the research is directed to the collection of baseline data that will provide statistical evidence and strengthen advocacy for the protection of turtles.
With the project targeting the Great Sea Reef in Vanua Levu and noted as an area of global biological significance, WWF communication officer Theresa Ralogaivau explained that they were targeting nesting sites in the Bua and Macuata Province. She said that the project includes the participation of Marine Science student from both tertiary institutions the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University. These young researchers will be assisted in collecting data’s by turtle monitors or Dau ni Vonu.
The important objective about this project is getting data that would provide statistical evidence and strengthen advocacy for turtle protection. And as mentioned by WWF’s marine species co-ordinator Laitia Tamata, these data being collected includes those relating to nesting beach surveys and catch per unit effort. All these results will then be shared with the Fiji Sea Turtle Steering Committee so that they are able to formulate policies and laws. This initiative will assure the protection of turtles throughout the Pacific Island countries.
- 17. Turtles overcome natural disaster
AAP – January 22, 2014
After being disrupted by the Queensland’s wild weather last year, the largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the South Pacific has find its way back to recovery and confirmation from researchers say that they are back to normal with their operation.
Located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef is the Mon Repos Conservation Park. This great park is well known for breeding large loggerhead turtles but sadly, an estimated 60 per cent of last year’s clutches of eggs were swept away as a result of the devastating floods and cyclones that battered the park’s surroundings.
However, researchers are delightful with the return of hundreds of turtles for hatchlings. Queensland’s loggerhead turtle research program head Col Limpus reported that hundreds of hatchlings have been emerging from nests on the site near Bundaberg in Queensland and added that the region is vital for the survival of the threatened species. On the same note, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services officer Lisa Emmert also was so relieved that the turtles had recovered from last years setbacks.
Mr Limpus also explained that the park is now supporting the biggest concentration of loggerheads for the whole of the South Pacific on which he boasted that the extensive protection of turtles in the national parks system was way ahead of what almost all other countries are doing about the same issue.
The nesting season for loggerhead turtles runs from November to January and it was expected that up to 350 loggerhead turtles will lay up to 130 eggs per clutch during this period. First hatchlings are expected to emerge after eight weeks.
Speaking about turtle nesting’s and hatchlings, this unique occasion has also been a popular tourism activity attracting as many as 30,000 tourists to the region. And with the recovery of the park, they can begin to experience visitors flocking in to witness and discover for themselves a distinctive event the region is well known for.
*Featured image from Fiji Times.
