The Chinese Cultural Centre in Fiji recently hosted a cultural exchange lecture that highlighted a longstanding fishing tradition from Hainan Province, China, and drew comparisons to Fiji’s fishing practices.
The lecture, themed “Genglubu” or the “menu of the South Sea Route,” focused on ancestral navigation and fishing knowledge, emphasizing the need to preserve these traditions for the benefit of future generations.
Wang Zhen Zhong, the director of the Hainan Museum, noted the strong relationship between culture and identity. “Hainan and Fiji rely on the sea for sustenance and livelihood, highlighting common values in sustainable fishing practices,” he stated. He added that both regions place high importance on ecological balance, utilizing regulations to limit fishing seasons in order to protect marine populations.
Nanise Kuridrani, principal research officer at the Ministry of Fisheries, spoke on the significance of traditional ecological knowledge. She discussed community-based management and aquaculture as strategies to reduce pressure on coastal fisheries. “This collaborative effort between Fiji and Hainan is intended to improve sustainable fishing practices and safeguard cultural heritage,” Ms. Kuridrani remarked.
This lecture marked a vital step toward building partnerships that encourage knowledge sharing. As modernization increasingly impacts traditional methods, both communities remain dedicated to maintaining their maritime identities.
Mr. Wang emphasized the importance of documenting these narratives to ensure they are preserved for future generations.