World Wetlands Day was commemorated this year in the picturesque highlands of Serua at Nabukelevu Village, approximately 70 kilometers from the capital, Suva. Celebrated annually on February 2, this important event marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
The primary objective of World Wetlands Day is to raise awareness about the crucial role that wetlands—such as mangroves and marshes—play in the environment. Wetlands are vital for protecting biodiversity, storing carbon, and providing essential water resources. Alarmingly, around 90 percent of the world’s wetlands have been degraded, underscoring the need for immediate attention and action.
During the event, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya made her first official appearance since taking on the portfolio last month. She highlighted this year’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Culture and Heritage,” emphasizing the importance of traditional knowledge in promoting sustainable development and fostering growth, particularly in rural regions.
Tabuya pointed out that wetlands serve as one of nature’s strongest defenders against climate challenges, making their preservation integral to environmental protection. She remarked, “Conservation cannot depend on donor cycles or projects. True conservation lives in iTaukei identity,” reinforcing the idea that genuine environmental stewardship is rooted in cultural heritage.
Village headman Mataiasi Toma expressed his gratitude for the government’s choice to host the event in the highlands of Serua. He noted that this occasion would be a lasting memory for the people of Nabukelevu, especially with the presence of the British High Commissioner to Fiji, Kanbar Hossein-Bor.
This celebration not only brought attention to the significance of wetlands but also underscored the harmonious balance between cultural heritage and environmental conservation, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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