The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, J Hunter Pearls, and the Pacific Community (SPC), supported by the Canadian government, recently hosted a workshop at the Holiday Inn focusing on the Aqua Pearl project.
According to Veronica Lo, a senior policy advisor at IISD, the initiative aims to enhance aquaculture by expanding the use of marine resources, particularly shellfish, for both local consumption and export as traditional fishing opportunities diminish globally.
Lo elaborated that the project includes the establishment of community-led farms in two villages in Vanua Levu, with plans to involve around 150 households from each village. The goal is to develop a sustainable oyster harvesting business that can provide alternative livelihoods for these communities.
She noted the significant role of local partners such as J Hunter Pearls in supporting biodiversity by quantifying and enhancing the marine life in Vanua Levu, thus improving the overall marine environment.
Moving forward, the workshop will work on implementing similar projects throughout Fiji and the broader Pacific region. “We aim to capture key lessons learned and conduct policy analyses to identify opportunities for integrating nature-based approaches into aquaculture,” Lo added. This initiative will not only focus on food safety and biosecurity but also on climate adaptation, paving the way for replicating successful strategies already established in other parts of Fiji and the region.
This project is a promising step toward sustainable practices in aquaculture, offering hope for communities affected by declining fishing stocks while simultaneously benefiting local ecosystems.
Overall, Aqua Pearl presents a model for sustainable development that could inspire similar initiatives in different regions, illustrating how collaboration can yield beneficial outcomes for both communities and the environment.
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