Local community representatives who assist with monitoring IBAs.

Local knowledge is a very critical component of my work and effective engagement and participation of the local people ensures conservation successes. The community volunteers in my project sites have shared valuable knowledge which has contributed positively to bird surveys, IBA monitoring and management planning processes.

One of the well known Fijian cultures is the exchange of traditional varieties of crops such as taro and yam which we have now tapped into as part of conserving the gene bank within IBA sites. Understanding and learning the history and stories in my project sites has also encouraged us to establish income generating enterprises such as the Naqaravutu Eco Tourism business in Naqaravutu village which is part of the FJ03 Natewa Tunuloa IBA. This initiative is directly linked to the cultural site in this village community and its uniqueness and values have been intrinsically linked to the needs of the landowning community to ensure they can take ownership of it.

Traditional tapa design techniques has been revived through livelihood initiatives established.

The significance of empowering local community groups is paramount so that they are more able to manage and implement activities effectively and in a sustainable manner.

This story was shared with the WIN community by Mere Valu and NatureFiji-MareqetiViti which is the operating organisation of Fiji Nature Conservation Trust.