Can nature-based solutions help Fijian communities to better manage some of their most pressing natural resource management challenges, such as coastal erosion, flooding and siltation of coral reefs? Groups of young people from communities in Vanua Levu who have participated in the Duavata Conservation Leadership Programme are conducting pilot projects to find out!
The Duavata Conservation Leadership Programme spans activities on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, supported by the British High Commission in Suva, and the German Embassy in Wellington. This short video captures a day with participants and facilitators on Vanua Levu.
During the first three months of 2022, as a successful vaccination campaign helped Fijians to bring life in the islands back to something like normal, Duavata launched a second round of the Conservation Leadership Programme, working with two additional communities in Vanua Levu and extending the programme to Viti Levu. This continuation of the programme was supported by a grant from the British High Commission in Fiji, supplemented by remaining funds from the earlier German Embassy grant.
Colin meant so much to so many different people and as the many reflections and stories of his life and legacy pour in it is hard to know where he found the time for all of us. He was so many people’s go to person if they had a problem, needed advice or guidance.
The Duavata Conservation Leadership Programme was launched on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island. Participants were nominated from five coastal villages in the Macuata Province with connections to Nukubati Island Resort. The participants, between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five, undertook two nature-based experiences: one terrestrial, one maritime. The experiences were led by experts from KokoMana, Nukubati Island Resort and Ocean Ventures.
Rivers Fiji have been supporting the Ministry of Health vaccination team over the last five weeks with the vaccine roll-out to some of the interior villages of Viti Levu. Dr. Amos, the sub-divisional medical officer Nadroga/Navosa applauded this initiative taken by tourism operators to offer their support.
