The villagers of Nabouono, situated in the remote district of Udu, Macuata, have traditionally depended on the sea for their livelihoods, particularly through the harvesting of sea turtles. These turtles are not only crucial for their diet but also symbolize their customs and identity. Historically, during special occasions such as weddings and funerals, the community would harvest multiple turtles, making turtle meat a culturally significant dish.
However, growing concerns regarding the sustainability of turtle harvesting have prompted the community to rethink their practices. With the ongoing threat to turtle populations due to unsustainable harvesting, habitat destruction, climate change, and overfishing in the region, Nabouono’s local leaders began exploring alternatives to ensure both food security and ecological preservation.
The Great Sea Reef, known locally as Cakaulevu, is one of the longest continuous barrier reefs in the Southern Hemisphere and plays a vital role in the biodiversity and food supply for nearby urban areas. Recognizing its ecological importance, the Fijian government designated it for protection as part of its commitments made at the United Nations Oceans Conference in 2017.
In response to this critical situation, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) initiated collaboration with five villages in Udu, including Nabouono, to promote sustainable livelihood practices, including cattle farming and beekeeping. This shift aims to lessen the community’s dependence on turtle harvesting.
Talica Vugawai, a representative of Nabouono, mentioned that women in the village had taken the lead, forming the Veilomani Women’s Group to generate alternative income sources through projects like cattle farming and beekeeping. Following their successful application for funding, the group now manages a small herd of cattle and beekeeping activities that contribute to their livelihood while actively committing to turtle conservation efforts by discontinuing turtle harvesting during community events.
Villagers have embraced this new direction, viewing it as an opportunity to ensure both economic stability and environmental stewardship. This initiative stands as a model of how traditional knowledge can blend with modern conservation tactics to foster resilience within communities.
The efforts in Nabouono exemplify a larger trend across Udu, where other villages are also exploring sustainable practices that align with their cultural heritage and environmental responsibilities. While the path forward presents challenges, including limited access to markets and the impacts of climate change, the proactive approach showcased here offers hope for a future where tradition and sustainability go hand in hand.
This transformation is a powerful reminder of the resilience and capacity of local communities to adapt and thrive amid pressing environmental challenges.
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