The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, J Hunter Pearls, and the Pacific Community (SPC), sponsored a workshop at the Holiday Inn to discuss the Aqua Pearl project, with support from the Canadian government.
Veronica Lo, a senior policy adviser at IISD, explained that the project’s goal is to diversify aquaculture by promoting the use of marine resources like shellfish for both local consumption and export. This initiative comes in response to the global decline in fishing opportunities.
Lo noted that one key aspect of Aqua Pearl is the establishment of community-led farms, particularly targeting two villages in Vanua Levu. The aim is to engage approximately 150 households from each village to develop plans for oyster harvesting businesses that can provide alternative livelihoods.
Moreover, she commented on the positive impact that local partners such as J Hunter Pearls have had as biodiversity aggregators. This partnership has enabled the quantification of local biodiversity in Vanua Levu, thus enhancing marine life and improving the overall marine ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the workshop’s next steps include the implementation of similar projects across Fiji and the broader Pacific region. Lo expressed hopes for capturing lessons learned and conducting a policy analysis to identify opportunities for integrating nature-based approaches into aquaculture practices. This approach is anticipated to bolster food safety, biosecurity, and climate adaptation while facilitating the replication of successful methods already employed in other areas of Fiji and the region.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach to sustainable aquaculture and community empowerment, promising to create new opportunities and support conservation efforts in the Pacific.
In summary, the Aqua Pearl project aims to support local communities by diversifying their livelihoods through sustainable aquaculture, while also contributing to biodiversity and environmental improvement in the region. The collaboration between various organizations signifies a hopeful step towards sustainable development and resilience in face of environmental challenges.
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