The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) collaborated with the Wildlife Conservation Society, J Hunter Pearls, and the Pacific Community (SPC) with support from the Canadian government to conduct a workshop focused on a project called Aqua Pearl at the Holiday Inn on Monday.
Veronica Lo, a senior policy adviser at IISD, explained that the Aqua Pearl project aims to diversify aquaculture by utilizing marine resources such as shellfish for local consumption and export, particularly in light of the decline in global fishing opportunities.
She emphasized that the initiative encompasses several dimensions, including the establishment of community-led farms. The project targets two villages in Vanua Levu, with plans to engage around 150 households in each location. These families will develop business plans for oyster harvesting, meaning they can cultivate a sustainable source of livelihood through sales.
Lo also highlighted the role of local partners like J Hunter Pearls as biodiversity aggregators. “For the first time, they were quantifying the biodiversity in Vanua Levu, attracting all kinds of marine life and improving the marine environment,” she noted.
Looking ahead, the workshop aims to implement similar projects throughout Fiji and the broader Pacific region. Lo mentioned the importance of capturing lessons learned during the workshop and conducting a policy analysis to identify opportunities for integrating nature-based approaches into aquaculture practices, addressing food safety, biosecurity, and climate adaptation while replicating successful strategies from other regions.
The Aqua Pearl project stands as an inspiring model for sustainable development that not only aims to enhance local economies but also protects marine biodiversity, fostering a healthier ecosystem for future generations.
In summary, the Aqua Pearl project is a significant step toward sustainable aquaculture, combining environmental conservation with community empowerment, which is essential in the face of declining fishing resources globally. The hope is to create lasting positive impacts for local communities in Fiji and the surrounding Pacific region.
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