The village of Nabouono, located in Udu, Macuata, has made noteworthy strides in transitioning from harvesting sea turtles to cattle grazing as a sustainable source of meat. This shift comes after a 2022 Turtle Trade and Use Survey flagged Udu as a critical area for turtle harvesting, primarily due to the community’s food needs during events and celebrations.
Assistance from WWF-UK has been pivotal in introducing cattle farming, allowing the villagers a new protein source while reinforcing their commitment to sea turtle conservation. Talica Vugawai, a local leader, expressed gratitude for the project’s success, stating, “We are deeply committed to protecting our sea turtles because they are endangered. We are thankful for WWF’s support in our cattle farming.”
The Veilomani Women’s Group has been instrumental in implementing this initiative, which not only provides beef as an alternative during community gatherings but also addresses the constraints faced when accessing resources from Labasa, where they lacked freezers for meat storage. WWF turtle project officer Karalaini Rereavosa noted the positive progress of this farming effort, highlighting the impact it has had on food sustainability in the village.
Moreover, alongside cattle farming, Nabouono is also embracing bee farming, demonstrating further diversification of its agricultural activities. This adaptability hints at a hopeful future in improving livelihoods while protecting endangered species. The embrace of sustainable farming practices reflects a broader commitment to environmental stewardship in the region.
This transformation showcases the proactive efforts of the community, with the support of organizations like WWF, to balance food security and conservation, ultimately fostering a healthier ecosystem for both the villagers and the sea turtles they strive to protect.
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