Mining activities in Bua have reportedly caused severe damage to coastal ecosystems, as highlighted by Margaret Vakalalabure, manager of the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative at the World Wildlife Fund Fiji. Vakalalabure noted that local communities are facing significant soil degradation connected to bauxite mining operations.
She stated that the effects of mining have been particularly detrimental to their coastal ecosystems, impacting their traditional fishing grounds badly. During a workshop hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society, she mentioned that substantial soil runoff has negatively affected these areas.
The loss of biodiversity has also been evident, with local livelihoods, such as mud crab and fish populations, suffering as a result. Vakalalabure emphasized the cultural impact, explaining that these traditional fishing grounds hold significant value for the communities.
She pointed out that the removal of mangroves and trees, which serve as natural protection against tidal surges, has contributed to these challenges. Many mangroves have been cleared to accommodate roads, factories, and residential developments.
The issue is not limited to Bua; other communities are similarly affected, with some facing destructive tidal waves linked to the loss of mangrove forests for various development projects. Since the 1970s, Fiji has reportedly lost 30 million hectares of mangrove land.