The agricultural development on Taveuni is increasingly conflicting with the imperative to safeguard its natural environment. The expansion of farming into the Taveuni Forest Reserve and Ravilevu Nature Reserve, driven by the cultivation of dalo and yaqona, is jeopardizing vital ecosystem services, particularly watershed protection. This trend poses a significant risk of crisis for the island.
The reserves on Taveuni, delineated by the Blue Line boundary, comprise some of Fiji’s largest protected areas. The Taveuni Forest Reserve was established in 1914, spanning 11,291 hectares, while the Ravilevu Nature Reserve, created in 1959, covers 4,019 hectares. Additionally, the Bouma National Heritage Park, designated in 1991, is included among these protected areas, with the aim of conserving biodiversity and preserving the natural dynamics of the forest.
However, as farmers seek better soil quality, they have increasingly encroached into the reserves and illegally cleared sections of land. This has led to the destruction of forest cover in crucial water catchment areas, resulting in dry streams, particularly in the Vuna district.
Maleli Nakasava, a senior official from the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, expressed concern, stating, “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 consequence, two creeks have dried up. If this continues, what is happening in Vuna will also affect the rest of Taveuni.” He noted that authorities might soon have to forcefully remove encroachers, but emphasized the difficulty, considering the impact on local livelihoods.
The freshwater ecosystems, vital for tourism in Taveuni, include attractions such as Lake Tagimoucia, located 800 meters in elevation in the upper Wainikeli district. The lake, formed by a volcanic crater, and the surrounding environment are known for their rich biodiversity, including the rare Tagimoucia flower, which is endemic to Taveuni.
The 2020 Ecosystems and Socio-Economic Resilience Analysis and Mapping (ESRAM) Report indicated that satellite images taken during a drought in 2016 showed a decrease in Lake Tagimoucia’s water levels and wetland vegetation. Climate change exacerbates the challenges of unsustainable land use, illustrating the need for a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth.
“The primary tourist draw for Taveuni is not its beaches or hotels, but the Tagimoucia flower endemic to the island,” Nakasava added. “If the lake dries up, it will negatively impact tourism and many residents’ incomes.” He warned that ongoing encroachment could lead to a crisis in the coming five to ten years.
Ram Sidal, chairman of the Taveuni Advisory Council for Delaivuna farmers, remarked that most farmers in the area come from outside Taveuni, focusing more on income than the protection of reserves, while local farmers understand the protocols and their responsibilities.
Despite finger-pointing at various stakeholders, there is a consensus that protecting the reserves is crucial for building resilience against climate change and for future generations. Silas Reddy, a farmer from Vuna, stressed the need for solutions that benefit both the environment and local livelihoods. He suggested introducing crops that can thrive post-harvest, ensuring continuous cash flow for farmers.
Reddy noted that while farmers are aware of the Blue Line boundary, many cannot accurately identify its location due to the markings’ deterioration post-Tropical Cyclone Winston. Following the cyclone’s damage, forest wardens have been reinstated to maintain awareness of the boundary and aid in enforcing laws protecting the reserves.
Maravu Ligani and his sons assume responsibility as forest wardens, monitoring adherence to laws concerning forest conservation. Ligani expressed pain at witnessing the clearing of native trees and highlighted the damaging effects of chemical fertilizers on soil and biodiversity, stressing the need for sustainable practices and awareness about the importance of forest conservation.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests plans to recruit more forest wardens to cover the island and bolster enforcement efforts. The ongoing PEBACC+ project aims to enhance ecosystem resilience, focusing on agroforestry and reforestation in critical water catchment areas.
Loraini Sivo, PEBACC+ Project Manager, warned that continuous encroachment could result in significant loss of primary forest cover, critically affecting the water cycle. The initiative involves collaborations with various agencies to restore native trees in degraded areas while engaging communities in organic farming and environmental awareness.
PEBACC+ is a regionally implemented project across several Pacific nations, aiming to institutionalize an Ecosystem-based Approach to climate adaptation and has already made strides in community reforestation efforts.