Aqua Pearl Initiative Promises New Life for Coastal Communities

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, J Hunter Pearls, and the Pacific Community (SPC), hosted a workshop on a groundbreaking initiative called Aqua Pearl at the Holiday Inn on Monday. This project is backed by the Canadian government and is focused on enhancing aquaculture practices.

Veronica Lo, a senior policy adviser at IISD, highlighted that Aqua Pearl aims to diversify aquaculture by developing products from marine resources, such as shellfish, for both local consumption and export. This initiative is particularly important in light of dwindling fishing opportunities globally. Lo mentioned that the project will implement community-led farms in two villages on Vanua Levu, with a goal to engage approximately 150 households per village. The aim is to establish oyster harvesting businesses that can provide alternative livelihoods for these communities.

Lo noted that local partnerships, particularly with J Hunter Pearls, have played a critical role in enhancing biodiversity in the region. They have started quantifying marine biodiversity in Vanua Levu, which is revitalizing the marine environment and attracting diverse marine life.

Looking ahead, the workshop participants discussed the next steps for the Aqua Pearl project, which include expanding its implementation across Fiji and the Pacific. They plan to document lessons learned and conduct a policy analysis to identify opportunities for integrating nature-based strategies into aquaculture. This approach will focus on improving food safety, biosecurity, and climate resilience, while also drawing from successful methods already employed in other parts of Fiji and the region.

This initiative represents a promising step forward in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that not only benefit local communities but also contribute to the overall health of marine ecosystems. As these projects unfold, there is hope for a revival of marine resources and support for local livelihoods, showcasing how collaborative efforts can lead to a more sustainable future.