The agricultural development on Taveuni has increasingly conflicted with the necessity to safeguard its natural environment. The expansion of farming activities, particularly in dalo and yaqona production, is encroaching upon the Taveuni Forest Reserve and Ravilevu Nature Reserve, which threatens essential ecosystem services, especially watershed protection. This situation could potentially precipitate a crisis for the island.
The reserves, delineated by the Blue Line boundary, constitute Fiji’s largest protected areas. The Taveuni Forest Reserve, established in 1914, encompasses 11,291 hectares, while the Ravilevu Nature Reserve, founded in 1959, covers 4,019 hectares. Additionally, the Bouma National Heritage Park, established in 1991, is included among the protected areas aimed at conserving biodiversity and natural forest processes.
As farmers search for more fertile soil inland to expand their operations, parts of the reserves have been illegally cleared, resulting in deforestation in water catchment regions. Consequently, areas like the Vuna district are experiencing drying streams.
Maleli Nakasava, a senior official from the Ministry of Fisheries and Forest, noted, “There are farms in the Vuna district that have crossed the Blue Line boundary and are farming within the reserves and near water catchment areas; as a result, two creeks have dried up. If this continues, what is happening in Vuna will happen to the rest of Taveuni.”
Authorities are considering the possibility of forcibly removing farmers from the reserves, a difficult decision given its impact on their livelihoods. Warnings and a grace period for relocation have been communicated to the encroaching farmers.
Taveuni’s freshwater ecosystems, like Lake Tagimoucia, a popular tourist destination, sit at an altitude of 800 meters in the Wainikeli district. The lake, formed by a volcanic crater, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the rare Tagimoucia flower, which grows exclusively in the area above 600 meters.
A 2020 report highlighted a decrease in lake levels and wetland vegetation, caused by drought conditions that followed Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016. Climate change compounds the challenges posed by unsustainable land-use practices, creating a delicate balance between environmental conservation and economic growth.
“The main tourist attraction for Taveuni is not the beaches or hotels; it’s the Tagimoucia flower endemic to the island. Its decline would adversely affect local income and tourism,” Mr. Nakasava stated. He pointed out that the encroachment could lead to a crisis in the next five to ten years.
Ram Sidal, Chairman of the Taveuni Advisory Council for Delaivuna farmers, commented that most encroaching farmers hail from outside Taveuni and prioritize profit over conservation, unlike local farmers who understand the importance of the reserves.
While some blame stakeholders and local communities, there’s a consensus on the need to protect the reserves for future resilience against climate change.
Silas Reddy, a 49-year-old farmer from Qarawalu, advocated for sustainable solutions benefiting both the environment and local livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of income stability for farmers.
Many farmers are aware of the Blue Line boundary, but precise identification remains a challenge due to the cyclone’s destruction of physical markers. The Ministry has since appointed forest wardens to reinforce and maintain these boundaries.
Maravu Ligani, a forest warden along with his sons, expressed concern about the damage inflicted by illegal clearing and chemical overuse near reserves. “The forest may take centuries to fully recover,” he noted.
Forest wardens actively engage in community education about sustainable practices and monitor illegal forest activities, reporting them to the ministry. Nakasava confirmed a commitment to enforce forest regulations and support local conservation projects.
Through initiatives like the PEBACC+ project, which aims to restore native trees and promote agroforestry in critical catchment areas, efforts are underway to combat the negative impacts of reserve encroachment. The project has completed community reforestation across 30 hectares, gained consent from various communities, and supports various local initiatives.
Ultimately, this regional project, implemented by SPREP and funded by international donors, is set to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities against the effects of climate change in Fiji and neighboring territories.