At the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort, participants of the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF 24) visited the communities of Naidiri and Malomalo to learn about their efforts in protecting marine reserves.
Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted that fieldwork provides participants with a real-world understanding of the environmental challenges facing the Pacific region.
The IPESF covers various topics related to environmental security, such as invasive species, wildlife crimes, and the impact of climate change on food security.
Dr. Michael noted, “This program contextualizes broad issues like climate change and biodiversity loss by showcasing the increasing challenges to food security.”
The Naidiri community, which has been witnessing a decline in fish stocks, proactively developed a proposal and reached out to the government for assistance.
In 2022, they successfully garnered support for facilities and equipment to establish a marine biodiversity park, with government collaboration.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that this initiative demonstrates how communities can take action amid declining marine resources, serving as a model for others to replicate.
He shared that the biodiversity park has now become a valuable source of income for local residents, offering a blueprint for IPESF participants to implement in their respective countries.