Two women from Nabuono Village in Udu, Vanua Levu, took part in a three-day National Symposium for Community-Led Initiatives on Environmental Sustainability held at the Albert Park conference room in Suva. Paulini Raumala and Marica Mocevakaura represented the Veilomani Women’s Club from Udu and are leading efforts in sea turtle conservation by raising cattle to provide alternative livelihood options and reduce pressure on marine resources.
Ms. Raumala stated, “We have been banned from killing sea turtles for consumption, so we have turned to cattle farming for food. This is our second month raising cattle, and so far, it has been going really well for us.” She added that they received their final herd of six cows last week, bringing their total to 15, with nine currently pregnant.
“This initiative is part of the Veilomani Women’s Club and aims to enhance food sustainability in our village, helping to end the killing of sea turtles,” Ms. Raumala explained. They also attended the symposium to seek assistance in obtaining an engine for a fiber boat and repairing another boat in their village for better transport to school and neighboring communities.