Mining operations in Bua have caused considerable harm to coastal ecosystems, according to Margaret Vakalalabure, manager of the World Wildlife Fund Fiji’s Coral Reef Rescue Initiative. Vakalalabure reported that local communities are suffering from severe soil degradation as a result of bauxite mining activities.
During a workshop hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society, she noted that much of the soil runoff has adversely affected traditional fishing areas. “The impacts from mining extraction have heavily impacted their coastal ecosystems,” she stated.
The degradation of these environments has resulted in the loss of essential livelihoods, such as mud crabs and fish, which are crucial to the community’s way of life. “It’s a loss of their culture because these are their traditional fishing grounds,” Vakalalabure explained.
She pointed out that the destruction of mangroves and trees, which serve as natural barriers against tidal surges, has exacerbated the problem. “Many mangroves have been cleared for the construction of roads, factories, businesses, and housing,” she added.
This issue extends beyond Bua, affecting several other communities as well. Vakalalabure highlighted that some areas are experiencing tidal wave incidents due to the removal of mangrove forests for development purposes. Since the 1970s, Fiji has lost approximately 30 million hectares of mangroves.