Climate Change & Development Community
Climate Change & Development (CCD) Community, of the Pacific Solution Exchange
Consolidated Reply
Query: Island Bright Spots. Examples; Experiences
Compiled by Setaita Tavanabola, Research Associate, and Ruci Yauvoli, Intern Issue Date: 09 October 2013
From Jessica Robbins, Global Island Partnership, New York, USA
Posted 26 August 2013 Dear Members,
In preparation for the 2014 International Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Third International Conference for SIDS, the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) would like to call for recommendations of island bright spots that: - Demonstrated measurable success / impact in advancing conservation of island biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods - Potential to be scaled and replicated - Be a community, national, regional or global island initiative
Bright Spots: Island success is built upon initiatives that work; this is referred to as ‘bright spots’. Bright spots can be activities, projects, programs, policies or initiatives at any level that are making a difference in advancing conservation of island biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods and have the potential to be scaled and replicated. It offers a solution to help overcome global conservation challenges.
Why Island Bright Spots: Islands are taking action and making progress in the face of major geographic, economic and social challenges however further commitment is needed to continue to build on what is working and maintain resilient ecosystems, strong island economies and sustainable livelihoods.
To continue to advance we need to build on what is working. We need to invest in those bright spots which have the potential to be scaled and replicated. GLISPA is committed to the identification, review and sharing of bright spots as a mechanism to achieve its mission to promote action for island conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Island Bright Spot will help to: - Inspire leadership by celebrating what is working in islands and those leaders that are committed to success - Catalyze commitments by encouraging investment in bright spots - Facilitate collaboration by exchanging solutions for islands to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss.
Based on the success of the Island Bright Spots event at CBD COP-11, GLISPA will identify opportunities to enable sharing of bright spots as well as to promote investment in the scale and replication of bright spots. Please do share or recommend Bright Spots now by sending concise recommendations on:
What is the bright spot? (Give title of the “bright spot”, something “inspirational and catchy”) What are the key results or impacts? (Not more than 150 words) What are the essential elements that made it successful i.e. if someone else wanted to replicate your success what would they absolutely need to have? (3 – 5 bullet points; see above link for examples)
Include in your response 1. A quote/statement from a high level person/community member 2. 2 to 5 photos of the bright spot and 3. Contact details of focal point
Responses were received, with thanks, from
1. Mere Valu, Nature Fiji, Suva, Fiji 2. Michael Smith, Organic Matters Foundation, Australia 3. Semisi Meo, Institute of Applied Science, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji 4. Marica Vakacola and Soropepeli Seru, Mamanuca Environment Society, Nadi, Fiji 5. Cheryl Thomas, CertLink, Vanuatu 6. Tom Dick, Vanuatu 7. Neil Davidson, Integrative Services, Wicked Solutions Broking, Australia 8. Sainimere Veitata, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji 9. Aliti Koroi, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji 10. Viliamu Iese, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji 11. Response 2, Viliame Iese, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji 12. Response 3, Viliame Iese, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji 13. Leone Limalevu, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji 14. Floyd Robinson, United Nations Development Programme, Multi-Country Office, Suva, Fiji 15. Joeli Veitayaki, School of Marine Studies, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
Further contributions are welcome!
Summary of Responses Comparative Experiences Related Resources Responses in Full
Summary of Responses
Island Bright Spots are island successes built upon initiatives that work and here members have shared activities, projects, programs, initiatives at community, national and regional level that are making a difference in advancing conservation of island biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods and have the potential to be scaled and replicated.
A total of 15 potential Island Bright Spots were shared from around the Pacific, six community level initiatives, five national level and four at regional level. The potential Bright Spots will be reviewed by a committee to identify those Bright Spots are advancing conservation and sustainable livelihoods and have the potential to be scaled and replicated. These Island Bright Spots will be shared and promoted by the Global Island Partnership as well as profiled during the International Year of Small Island Developing States.
Regarding its potential to be replicated, the Cakaudrove Integrated Community Resource Management submitted by the University of the South Pacific is already replicating its approach in five provinces namely Rewa, Bua, Lau, Serua and Macuata. The approach takes on an integrated forest and marine conservation, somewhat similar to a ridge-to-reef approach to conserve Cakaudrove’s biodiversity.
The Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation Project submitted by a member from the Pacific Centre for Sustainable Development (PACE SD) is replicating what they call the PACE SD Methodology in other parts of Fiji as well. This methodology ensures the sustainability of community projects and takes into account disaster risk reduction when addressing climate change impacts; it integrates biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management and the community’s livelihoods.
A few other Island Bright Spots have yet to explore opportunities to replicate and scale up its initiatives while others have plans currently in the pipeline.
Many of these initiatives have demonstrated measurable success in advancing conservation of island biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods.
From the community level, one of the initiatives to be noted is the Conservation of Mount Nabukelevu Initiative in Kadavu located south of Fiji. Nature Fiji submitted the initiative highlighting a new farming technique for sustainable farming on slopes that prevents soil erosion. The initiative also helped set up a nursery to house propagated sandalwood seedlings and native tree species, and a beekeeping business for youths whereby profits are directed to a trust fund for education purposes.
From the national level, the ‘I Love Soil School Training Program’ submitted by Organic Matters Foundation based in Fiji and Australia shared how its assisting farmers on sustainable food production through a training course on Biological and Ecological farming. Taro production yield across Taveuni sites rose from industry average of 900grams to 1.2kilograms and the reject rate dropped from the industry standard of 25% to 10%. The initiative immerses local farmers, community groups and students in learning experiences that facilitate the acquisition of a skill base. It assists farmers on the path to sustainable food production that has brought about positive effect on community dynamics, health and hope.
At regional level, the Food Security Research Group conduct reviews of all Food Security projects in the Pacific. Part of the research focuses on impact analysis of how various food security projects at community and national level affect the livelihood of people, whether they are effective, efficient, sustainable or unsustainable. Information from the research is then provided to the people to help them in their various project implementation and decision makings.
These initiatives share a common and important essential element, that is the importance of partnership at all levels. The success of the initiatives was credited to its collaboration with key national departments and/or regional organisations working toward the same goal. Community buy in was established particularly those of a high social status such as the traditional leaders and provincial council offices to gain the trust and cooperation of community members.
Each recommendation is either directly or indirectly contributing to the conservation of island biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. A challenge that could be drawn from these initiatives is the assurance to sustain the project well after the projects end date. Many are making a paradigm shift from project-based to people-based implementations and understanding that when addressing climate change it is important to also note that it’s a development issue and sustainable development needs to be part of projects core objective.
Comparative Experiences
Fiji
Conservation of Mount Nabukelevu, Kadavu (from Mere Valu, Nature Fiji, Suva, Fiji) Soil erosion was prevented and communities were able to plant 4500 pineapple suckers as a part of a sustainable land management technique. By setting up a nursery, sandalwood seedlings were propagated and native tree species replanted, and a beekeeping business set up for the youth is bringing in monetary profits that is put away in a trust fund for their education.
Cakaudrove Integrated Community Resource Management, Vanualevu (from Semisi Meo, Scientific Officer, Institute of Applied Science, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji) People of Cakaudrove are discovering an abundance of fish across their inner reef areas and are even sighting rare species such as the Juvenile Humphead wrasses, blue spotted rays, highly priced bech-der-mer species and a green turtle. This is due to the Resource Management initiative that established the ‘no fishing’ and ‘fishing’ grounds around Cakaudrove controlling the issue of overfishing and pollution in those areas.
Mamanuca Sea Turtle Conservation, Nadi (from Marica Vakacola and Soropepeli Seru, Mamanuca Environment Society, Nadi, Fiji) Tourist operators are now heavily involved with the conservation of sea turtles through the formulation of a Marine Based Management Plan establishing traditional taboos on turtle harvesting, use of small fishing nets, scuba tanks/compressors for fishing, traditional poison plant and dynamites. The short term impact, this has allowed business and community engagement into the initiative, and in the long run it will ensure the survival of the sea turtles.
I love SOIL SCHOOL training program, Taveuni (from Michael Smith, Organic Matters Foundation, Australia) Taro production yield across Taveuni sites rose from industry average of 900grams to 1.2kilograms and the reject rate dropped from the industry standard of 25% to 10%. The initiative immerses local farmers, community groups and students in learning experiences that facilitate the acquisition of a skill base. It assists farmers on the path to sustainable food production that has brought about positive effect on community dynamics, health and hope.
Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation, Fiji (from Leone Limalevu, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji) When the initiative was implemented it took on an integrated approach in which the methodologies used to address climate change take into account disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, sustainable natural resource management and community’s livelihoods. The approach also ensures the sustainability of the work implemented and puts sustainable development into the core objective of any climate change project.
Lomani Gau, Gau Island (Joeli Veitayaki, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji) The initiative assists people with their rural development initiatives with three community cattle farms, setting up of three village stores, three copra purchasing ventures, two kava purchasing operations and two mat selling arrangements and two micro credit facilities. It supports the strengthening of the Gau Island Council so that the islanders all work together using the combination of top down and bottom up approaches.
Vanuatu
SANMA Community Coconuts – Building Trust and Community, Vanuatu (from Cheryl Thomas, Certlink, Vanuatu) 11 communities of almost 1,000 farmers certified organic have improved sustainable agricultural livelihoods, and nearly 1,000 farmers saw the benefit and are prepared to work towards a new goal of organic certification. Through this initiative, participants found commonality and a means to work together to secure improved income from collective selling and pooling of resources.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu 7C’s Initiative (from Neil Davidson, Collaborative Innovative Systems, Wicked Solutions Broking, Australia) This initiative brings together an alliance of participants to investigate the participative co-design and application of a new form of development model that will enable participative and anticipatory whole systems design of receiving communities with the forced environmental migrants that will be displaced. It could become a template for a new form of ‘sustainable and resilient community development.’
Assessing Salinity Profiles (Viliamu Iese, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji) Water-logging associated impacts on crop growth are identified as an additional impact of climate change on crop growth in atoll islands. The initiative is writing four papers and a brief for the Tuvalu Government that recommend the Agro-biodiversity approach where farmers plant more than one type of crop, the Multi-farm approach where one family having more than one farm field around the atoll and integration of traditional knowledge.
Related Resources
Recommended Documentation
Best Practices, Guidelines and Policy: Mamanuca Sea Turtle Conservation Project (from Marica Vakacola and Soropepeli Seru, Mamanuca Environment Society, Nadi, Fiji) Book; by Institute of Marine Resources, Mamanuca Environment Society, WWF South Pacific Programme, Fiji Department of Fisheries and Fiji Department of Environment; Available at http://1gtjnw30d0tu3ulzfj3gevx81425.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp- content/uploads/2012/08/Guidelines-and-Policy.pdf (PDF; Size: 2.36MB) It’s designed to aid traditional owners, tourism operators, government departments to work together to develop culturally appropriate tourism involving marine turtles.
PACE SD Guidebook: Participatory Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (from Leone Limalevu, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainability Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji) Book; by Limalevu L and McNamara K E, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; 2012; Available at eugcca.usp.ac.fj/Portals/0/factsheets/PACE-SD%20VA%20GUIDEBOOK%20- %20FINAL%20(16Oct2012).pdf (PDF; Size: 1.92MB)
Recommended Organizations and Programmes
From Mere Valu, Nature Fiji, Suva, Fiji
Nature Fiji, Suva, Fiji 14 Hamilton-Beattie Street (Off Service Street), Suva, Fiji Islands; Tel: (679) 310 0598; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.naturefiji.org; Nature Fiji is enhancing biodiversity and habitat conservation, endangered species protection and sustainable use of natural resources by promoting collaborative conservation action, awareness raising, education, research and biodiversity information exchange.
Bird Life International Fiji Programme Bird Life Fiji Programme, GPO Box 18332, Suva, Fiji; Email: [email protected] / [email protected]. Together with the communities it has developed alternative livelihood projects to be undertaken by landowning communities, including sustainable agriculture and model farming, bee-keeping, bread and pastry making and handicraft making.
From Michael Smith, Organic Matters Foundation, Fiji/Australia
Organic Matters Foundation Organic Matters Foundation; Tel: +61 428 102 015; Email: [email protected]; OMF provides South Pacific farmers a viable, sustainable alternative to mainstream farming practices and chemical inputs in agriculture. This alternative delivers benefits directly to farming groups and their communities.
Teitei Taveuni Teitei Taveuni Sustainable Agriculture, P.O. Box 99, Waiyevo, Taveuni, Fiji; Tel: (+679) 888 0420; Web: teiteitaveuni.com/soil-school; Tei Tei Taveuni is a Non-Government Organisation formed by a group of farmers with an interest in sustainable farming, soil regeneration, food security, conservation, and environmental awareness.
University of the South Pacific Research Office (Semisi Meo, Institute of Applied Science, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji) Research Office, The University of the South Pacific, Private Mail Bag, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji Islands; Tel: (679) 323 2397; Fax: (679) 323 1504; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.research.usp.ac.fj The University’s research conducts theoretical, applied and comparative research to assist Pacific Island people meet their needs and aspirations, at the same time, achieve international recognition in those areas.
Mamanuca Environment Society (from Marica Vakacola and Soropepeli Seru, Mamanuca Environment Society, Nadi, Fiji) Mamanuca Environment Society, P.O. Box 10125, Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands; Tel: +679 672 0448; Fax: +679 672 3669; Web: mesfiji.org; MES is an active environment society passionately committed to protecting the stunning marine and terrestrial environment of the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji.
World Vision Vanuatu (from Cheryl Thomas, Certlink, Vanuatu) Rue Artoi M/S, P.O Box 247, Port Vila, Vanuatu; Tel: 678-22161; Fax: 678-25209; Web: www.wvi.org/vanuatu; World Vision Vanuatu works under the newly formed World Vision Pacific Timor Leste (PTL) National Office to help eliminate poverty and its causes.
From Aliti Koroi, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Project The University of the South Pacific, EUGCCA Project; Tel: (679) 3231894; Fax: (679) 3232891; Email: (Project Team Leader) [email protected]; Web: eugcca.usp.ac.fj; The USP-EU GCCA project is implemented through three components under Capacity Building, Community Engagement and Applied Research. Alliance of Small Island States Web: www.aosis.org; Email: www.aosis.org/contact; It’s a coalition of Small Island and low-lying coastal countries that share similar development challenges and concerns about the environment.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Bonn, Germany UNFCCC Secretariat, Bonn, Germany; Tel: (49-228) 815-1000; Fax: (49-228) 815-1999; Web: http://unfccc.int/2860.php An international treaty to cooperatively consider limiting average global temperature increases and climate change, coping with impacts were, by then, inevitable.
Recommended Communities and Networks
Organic Matters Foundation Facebook Page (from Michael Smith, Organic Matters Foundation, Fiji/Australia) Organic Matters Foundation; Tel: +61 428 102 015; Web: www.facebook.com/pages/Organic- Matters-Foundation/121471461234606; Email: [email protected]; OMF provides South Pacific farmers a viable, sustainable alternative to mainstream farming practices and chemical inputs in agriculture. This alternative delivers benefits directly to farming groups and their communities.
Recommended Tools and Technologies
Decision Support System for Agro-Technology Transfer (from Viliamu Iese, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji) Computer Software; Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer Foundation 2013; Available at dssat.net; Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer is a software application program that comprises crop simulation models for over 28 crops.
Responses in Full
Mere Valu, Nature Fiji, Suva, Fiji
Dear members,
Our Bright Spot is “Conservation of Mount Nabukelevu” in Kadavu, Fiji
Key results:
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with 10 village clans to not clear or degrade their forests within a term of 20 years. Also, a new farming technique on sustainable farming on slopes was introduced to prevent soil erosion. This has resulted in less soil erosion which normally pollutes their water source below their farming areas. The model farm was established on slopes as part of the sustainable land management technique where 4500 pineapple suckers benefitted the community economically as a sustainable livelihood initiative.
A nursery was also set up to house the propagated sandalwood seedlings and native tree species which were replanted on the hillsides as part of a reforestation initiative. Other benefits include the beekeeping business for the youth in which part of the profits helped set up a trust fund for educational purposes. The success of this initiative resulted in other neighboring 7 villages within Nabukelevu to request for the same initiative to be replicated in their own communities. In addition, this initiative was replicated in another part of Fiji.
Essential elements:
The idea to use barren slopes was generated by the communities themselves as they wanted their forests to be saved. They sought assistance from the then Bird Life International Fiji Programme to assist with any new land management techniques which could relieve the pressure on forest clearance for agriculture. Since the idea came from the community, the ownership remained with them as well. Utilization of youth as volunteers was a driving factor and these youths were used by the organization as best practices model for other unemployed youth in other parts of Fiji. Planned timelines for activities are not usually concrete as most times projects need to work at pace of the community to see success. Photos:
Contact: Mere Valu, Nature Fiji, Suva, Fiji; Email: [email protected]
Michael Smith, Organic Matters Foundation, Australia
Dear Jessica et al,
Here is our submission from Organic Matters Foundation for inclusion into the Island Bright spot.
The Bright Spot: I love SOIL SCHOOL TRAINING PROGRAM
Impacts and results:
Organic Matters Foundation (OMF) immerses local farmers, community groups and students in authentic learning experiences that facilitate the acquisition of a skill base. We assist farmers on the path to sustainable food production, which in turn has a positive effect on community dynamics, health and hope.
Organic Matters Foundation offers an innovative 2‐day course on Biological and Ecological farming specifically developed for farming groups and communities in the Pacific Islands, this highly interactive course is based on adult learning principles.
We have evidenced based outcomes showcasing taro production over two years and 300 farmers participating in the Soil School program on Taveuni Island Fiji. For example:
The average yield across all sites was 1.2Kg, a significant yield increase from industry average of 900 grams. The reject rate dropped from the industry standard of 25% to 10%. And; The total cost of the program including labor was half of the conventional program.
Essential Elements
Soil School course runs as an oscillating program that allows participants time to engage, practice, observe and question their decision making process in the management of their farms. Be prepared to engage and empower Women as the change makers and path-breakers in the community. We will adapt Soil School to each local farming culture to ensure relevant information transfer that has positive outcomes for sustainable change to livelihoods of all farmers. We provide students with an overview of how to manage soils effectively, the different types of inputs that can be used both Traditional and commercial in addition to the importance of soil biology to agricultural production.
Recommendation from Fiji Minister of Agriculture: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKDq6vFD6dc
Links
organicmatters.org.au www.facebook.com/pages/Organic-Matters-Foundation/121471461234606 teiteitaveuni.com/soil-school www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=199536
Photo: Soil School Graduate Class
Contact:
Michael Smith Dip.Ag.Org, Principal Organic Matters Foundation; Email: [email protected] ; Web: organicmatters.org.au ; Mob: + 61 428102015 (Australia); Mob: + 6799387951 (Fiji); Skype: mike.smith.4121
Semisi Meo, Institute of Applied Science, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji Dear members,
Our recommended Island Bright Spot ‘Cakaudrove Integrated Community Resource Management’
Key Results:
Biodiversity Conservation:
The impact of Marine Conservation has resulted in high abundance of fish across the inner reef areas, the diversity of fish species has also increased. Some of the rare species sighted were Juvenile humphead wrasses, blue-spotted rays, highly priced bech-der-mer species, and a green turtle. The Tabu (no fishing) area as compared to the Tara (fishing) area is clearly protecting herbivorous fish populations and the sightings of schools of large and mature unicorn fish and surgeon fishes are quite encouraging and assuring as it mean that algae is kept under control enabling the healthy growth of corals. Ecologically the coral cover in both tabu areas have bounced back healthier, even though with different reef systems - one of them has a fringing system and one is a semi-barrier. The status of coral in the tabu is healthier in comparison to the adjacent harvest area. The tabu is more a balanced ecosystem hence enhancing species abundance and diversity. Socio-economic data clearly marks improved community cohesiveness and unity i.e. the fishing ground committee and the chiefs are working closely hand in hand to lift the level of compliance on the Tabu area and the overall community are very knowledgeable of each step and decision taken. Catch survey – interestingly the catch per unit effort over a temporal scale from the conserved fishing grounds continue to increase. This indicates that the communities are catching more fish, possibly from the Tabu spillover effect. Data obtained from past studies show enhanced services provided by coral reef, seagrass meadow, sand substratum and shoreflat in both these areas, these include fisheries (direct use, extractive value), bequest value (non-use value), research and education benefits (direct use, non-extractive value) and coastal protection (indirect use value). There is an increase in forest reserve in the province to 25 forest areas. The increasing rate of forest logging and forest disturbance over the past are now been reversed with the commitment by these 25 villages to protect and conserve for their future.
Essential Elements
The Cakaudrove Province Yaubula Management Support Team Guideline was an approach essential in ensuring the success of the project. This approach is being replicated in five other provinces (Rewa, Bua, Lau, Serua, and Macuata). Community participation and community ownership of the project. Clear roles and responsibilities and reporting mechanisms must be developed. Sustainability is essential for projects of this magnitude to succeed. Partnership at community level and at national level with major stakeholders especially with strong support from Traditional Leaders, Cakaudrove Provincial Council Office, Institute of Applied Science-University of the South Pacific, Wildlife Conservation Society, and other Non-Government Organisations
Photo:
Contact:
Semisi Meo, Scientific Officer, Institute of Applied Science, University of the South Pacific; Email: [email protected]
Marica Vakacola and Soropepeli Seru, Mamanuca Environment Society, Nadi, Fiji
Dear members,
The name of our Bright Spot is the ‘Mamanuca Sea Turtle Conservation’.
Key Results
1. The formulation of the Best Practices Guidelines and Policy targeted tourism operators and included
Beach Nesting Surveys Tavarua Island Resort, Namotu Island Resort, Navini Island Resort and South Sea Island are actively involved in the surveying of the turtles nesting sites to help direct baby turtles to sea as they get distracted by lights and crawl inland moving themselves closer to potential predators.
Turtle Tagging These member resorts are to tag all turtles that are either caught or raised on the island before they are released.
Captive Breeding In agreement with the Fiji Department of Environment (i) during nesting season, 20% of the baby turtles can be captured while 80% be released back to sea; (ii) turtles be raised in ponds and can only be released when its back shell is measured up to more than 20 centimetres, turtle is tagged and recorded. Mana Island Resort, Beachcomber Island Resort, Treasurer Island Resort, Bounty Island Resort and Vomo Island Resort are the captive breeders working with Mamanuca Environment Society (MES).
Banning sale of any form of product made from turtle shells in resorts
Observation of Fisheries Act, Environment Management Act, Endangered and Protected Species Act, and the Marine Species Act in resorts Under this project, all members’ resorts are to abide and respect these regulations especially at the common nesting sites.
Best Practices on Snorkelling and other Watersports activities Member resorts undertook training on sustainable tourism to help them protect the coral reef ecosystem and the important feeding grounds for sea turtles.
2. The formulation of the Community Based Management Plan targeted local communities (Solevu, Yaro, Yanuya, Tavua Village, Nabila, Momi and Yako Village) and included
Marine Based Management Plan To protect the marine ecosystem agreed by the communities and is applicable to the ‘Qoliqoli’ areas belonging to their paramount chief,Vanua o Lawa. Individuals who breach this law will be dealt within the community. The plan is in the hope to save sea turtles and other endangered species and threatened ecosystems, it includes Establishment of a traditional ‘Tabu’ on turtle harvest in the Mamanuca region. Restrictions on harvesting Bumphead Parrotfish (Kalia), Humphead Wrasse (Varivoce), Triton Shell (Davui) Restriction on using small sized fishing nets, only 3inch+ sized nets can be used for fishing. Restrictions on the use of scuba tanks and compressors for fishing. The use of traditional poison plant (Duva) is not allowed. Practicing Dynamite/ Cyanide/ Bleaching fishing is not allowed. Removing Mangroves is not allowed. Destroying Seagrass bed is restricted.
Essential Elements:
The landscape is essential; Mamanuca islands are formed from coral upthrust leading to the formation of corals cays that possess beautiful white sandy beaches ideal for female turtles to nest. The region is the most common nesting sites of turtles in Fiji.
Sea turtles are a totem to the village of Yanuya. The establishment on the protection of turtles in the region was even more successful because the people of Yanuya village respected the law and since all fours village within the Mamanuca region belong to the same tribe, they respected and well observed the law.
Mamanuca region is also a common tourist destination in Fiji, and tourism operators have abided to the law as the Captive Breeding program is a commercial attraction and major source of income to the resort.
Receiving support from the local community and tourism operators contributed was essential in making the project a success.
Photos:
Contact:
Marica Vakacola (Assistant Project Manager) and Soropepeli Seru (Project Officer), Mamanuca Environment Society, Nadi, Fiji; Tel: +679 6720448 / 9096083 / 7572019; Fax: +679 6723669; Web: www.mesfiji.org;
Cheryl Thomas, CertLink, Vanuatu
Dear Jessica, Please find below details of a Bright Spot from Vanuatu:
Bright Spot: SANMA Community Coconuts - Building trust and community
Key Results and Impacts
11 communities consisting of almost 1000 farmers certified organic have improved sustainable agricultural livelihoods Nearly 1,000 farmers saw the benefit and were prepared to work towards a new goal of organic certification. Communities found commonality and a means to work together to secure improved income from collective selling and pooling of resources. Negotiating power by collective selling has improved farmers’ confidence and ability to control their production and market opportunities. For perhaps the first time competition has ensured improved communication between the buyer, processor and farmer. Farmers have started to address industry issues around quality and output. When community focused development funds are utilised in an innovative way, exciting outcomes are possible.
Essential Elements
Tons of energy and discussions and drive. Work through issues and find out what works and what does not. Allow communities to find solutions to issues themselves. Be action oriented, less chatter and more action will draw interest and support. Don't allow same old thinking to sabotage the idea. Build community experts to support and influence.
Quote:
“Organic represents a new and exciting market opportunity for Vanuatu and its farmers. Opening markets and gaining market information for farmers is key to gaining recognition and realising their potential. Our journey has just begun.” - Mackenzie Vagaha, Project Coordinator.
Photos:
Contacts – World Vision Vanuatu:
Jane Rutledge, Marketing Adviser (Volunteer) – [email protected] / +678 595 3343 Mackenzie Vagaha, Project Coordinator – [email protected] / +678 775 8223
Tom Dick, Vanuatu
Dear members,
Bright Spot: The 'Aelan Studio' Project
Key results or impacts:
Provides employment to 6 staff members. Established a fully equipped rehearsal studio for public use, which now operates as a self-sustained enterprise. Established Santo’s annual music festival in 2011 – Lukaotem Gud Santo Festival: Santo’s popular festival hosting international bands, and Santo cultural and modern groups over two nights, using traditional values to encourage youth in active development work. Brokered and organised the international (and domestic) tours for several traditional and contemporary cultural groups to perform at international festivals in Malaysia, Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Caledonia. Sourced the investment funds to establish 5 “mini-arts festivals” in biocultural and linguistic hotspots of Wusi, Gaua, West Ambrym, Port Orly, and Mon Exil Staged the 2012 and 2013 Fete de La Musique and the Vanuatu Independence Celebrations, in Luganville, employing 400 performers over 5 days. Various projects including the highly acclaimed “Voting Rights Awareness Campaign 2012”.
Essential elements that made it successful:
Set up a studio for young people to practice music. This also provides a positive focal point to galvanise a community of musicians. Ensure that the young people pay a modest fee for the use of the studio so as to establish a relationship of respect. Connect the contemporary expression of music and culture with the traditional expression of music and culture. Connect the music and culture with civil society, language and cultural heritage, environmental management. Use the revenue from the studio to maintain the studio and any surplus goes in to fund projects that develop out of points 3 and 4 above.
Statement from a high level person:
Aelan Studio Project Co-founder, David Nalo said, "In the field of promotion and distribution of its music Vanuatu is in fact competing with the rest of the world. A niche has been pinpointed and this is where Vanuatu and its musicians must concentrate their efforts – the merging of traditional custom music with modern music. There needs to be a more conscious effort to integrate more of our culture into our music, and we are doing this with the 'Aelen Studio' project. Without the studio, we would never have been able to start the LGS Festival, and we would never have been able to get the funding and investment for all the projects and activities, and to start getting messages out to the young people in the community. Now here we are employing several people, and providing project funding for others"
Aelan Studio Project Co-founder, Marcel Meltherorong said, "I see my music as a tool – a way of teaching my children and future generations about holding on to Vanuatu culture, our customs and our traditions at a time when western influence is changing our way of life. I remember an old fellow told me that if we can marry western knowledge with our traditional knowledge that would make our children ‘twice-wise’."
Contact details of focal point
Sarah Doyle, Operations Manager Further Arts, email: [email protected]
Photos of the bright spot:
Neil Davidson, Integrative Services, Wicked Solutions Broking, Australia Dear Jessica,
Bright spot: Tuvalu 7C’s Initiative: Collaboration around Cultural Cohesion, Climate Change and Carrying Capacity
Key results:
Some island populations will need to be relocated due to climate change and carrying capacity constraints – the question is not whether, but when, and how.
Current ‘migration’ models take genuine refugees and selected educated. However, even genuine asylum seekers are being turned back from Australia, and forced environmental migrants are not (yet) considered ‘refugees’. Current ‘community development’ models often assume ‘growth’, yet this is increasingly unsustainable globally if not locally, and certainly not prudent given impending systemic changes in climate, energy and food security.
This initiative aims to build on earlier work to bring together an alliance of participants to investigate the participative co-design and application of a new form of development model that will enable participative and anticipatory whole systems design of receiving communities with the forced environmental migrants that will be displaced. It could become a template for a new form of ‘sustainable and resilient community development’.
Essential elements that have made it successful to date, and will make it successful:
Demonstrable cultural respect that enables cultural legitimacy and trustworthy community engagement through respected leaders Carrying capacity analysis of various scenarios for a range of different sets of assumptions that encourages increasing community understanding and cohesion Hosting events with a microcosm of the participants to consider how to apprehend and avoid systemic drivers of unsustainability through systems’ design thinking Facilitation of participative and anticipatory systems’ design informed by deeper facilitated learning in collective systems’ understanding Participative design and co-constitution of systems’ ethical governance principles informed by carrying capacity limits (i.e. Not telling others what to do / not following someone else’s brief / but hosting and co-designing the brief together) Productive synthesis, implementation and refinement through safe-to-fail experimentation and feedback to deliver globally ethical physical community system exemplar/s Photo:
Contact: Neil Davidson, Collaborative Innovation Systems, Integrative Services, Wicked Solutions Broking; Email: [email protected]; Tel: 07 3848 1025 / 0401 740 525; Skype: neil.davidson69
Sainimere Veitata, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
Dear members,
Bright Spot: Establishing Locally Managed Climate Change Adaptation Network Key results:
LMCCA is a regional network that is locally managed by 15 Pacific Island Countries that are also part of the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Project.
The network creates a multiplier effect among communities that have gained knowledge and skills from their exposure to locally-managed concepts on adaptation to climate change.
This has allowed more efficiency in project implementations, effective collaboration between partners and allows members of the network to share success stories and lessons learned from each of their projects.
The network has contributed to project sustainability as it allowed room for community ownership in the projects implemented.
Essential Elements:
Community buy in Good stakeholder network and collaboration Willingness to accept partners working in the same area Photos:
Focal Point: Sainimere Veitata, Project Officer, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; Tel: +679 323 2897; Fax: +679 323 2891; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.usp.ac.fj/pace;
Aliti Koroi, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
Dear members,
Bright Spot: Building the Pacific Region’s Capacity
Key results:
A component under the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Project is Capacity Building where through the University of the South Pacific – Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development have offered scholarships to students in the region to undertake Post Graduate Masters, PhD and Applied Research in Climate Change.
Through this component, graduates from around the region have supported and guided our regional governments, non-government organisations and regional organisations in their efforts to adapt to climate change, and to train others in adaptation especially at community level.
Few graduates have been advisors to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP). The current AOSIS Lead Negotiator, Ngedikes Olai Uludong, is a graduate from USP PACE SD.
This has improved communities’ understanding of climate change and of the appropriate ways to adapt to its effects, in their specific local environments.
Essential Elements:
Government buy in; students are from the region and there is a need for their capacity to be built in the area of climate change and USP through PACE is providing that Having job opportunities available for them in their respective countries when they graduate is essential It is important that countries identify research areas that students can take as their research topics to not only assist the student in their academic work but at the same time assist their country in the areas identified To have a network such as the Locally Managed Climate Change Adaptation Network
Focal Point:
Aliti Koroi, Project Manager, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; Tel: +679 323 2897; Fax: +679 323 2891; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.usp.ac.fj/pace;
Photos:
Viliamu Iese, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
Dear members,
There are three Island Bright Spots that I would like to share.
Bright Spot 1: Crop Modeling Software to assess the impacts of Climate Change on Crop Growth and Yield in Pacific communities
The Decision Support System for Agro-Technology Transfer (DSSAT) is crop simulation software containing 28 crop models which includes rice, cassava, taro, sugarcane, potato and maize.
Key results:
Validated potato, taro, maize models in Pacific Island communities The tool is assisting communities in making decisions on which crop they should plant and how to maximize profit for food security and economic growth amongst the many uncertainties that affect the agriculture industry DSSAT has been used in over 100 countries by researchers, educators, consultants, growers, and policy and decision makers for more than 30 years. The tool shows what the impacts of climate change are, and the changes expected in the crop production that will threaten our food security.
Essential Elements:
Use farmers traditional crop management and cultivation methods to run crop models and provide visible outputs on crop growth and yield. Collaboration with key national departments such as the Agricultural Department that offer Crop and Soil Data, the Meteorology Department that offer the Daily Weather files, and regional organisations such as the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development at the University of the South Pacific. Capacity to hold trainings; train farmers, researchers, other users on how to use the DSSAT software.
Photos:
Bright Spot 2: Food Security Research Group
Key results:
After conducting a review of all Food Security projects in the Pacific we have identified research gaps. The main gaps identified from the report that will be the focus of USP Food Security Research were: 1. Impact analysis of community food security projects (how various food security projects at the community or national level affect the livelihood of people, are they effective, efficient, sustainable or not? - socio-economic component will be a main part of this) 2. Understanding change in Land Use patterns and practices (all systems) of food production 3. Domestication of wild crops/trees/ferns, animals that are more resilience for food security 4. Validation, Calibration and Development of Crop models to assess impacts of Climate change and extreme events on food crops and maximize crop management options for adaptations 5. The need to link vulnerability assessments to effective implementation (cost benefit analysis, opportunity costs) 6. The need to conduct a research to look at how much fuel/energy consumed at the household level for food security, like food preservation, storage, processing, availability, accessibility. It would be good to have a research on this, what is the percentage of each household weekly/monthly electricity bill and car fuel that come from cooking, refrigeration, shopping, going to farm, taking the produce to market and so forth. As for fishing, how much fuel consumed by boats for fishing and also storage and transporting fish?
Most of the research in the Pacific addressing Food Security and Climate Change focus on improving the resilience without understanding the vulnerability, and most research are regionally and nationally driven rather than community focused.
Essential Elements:
As long as the question involve the priorities of the communities and the needs of the country. Often times research are academic focused, done to meeting academic requirements, it needs to have an application so that it would benefit the community and not just the researcher Strong need for all researchers out there in the region to communicate on has been researched and its key findings rather than competing with one another and replicating the work already done. They need to communicate in order to share findings, share resources and build one another’s capacity in their research areas.
Photos:
Bright Spot 3: Assessing the Salinity Profiles in Tuvalu
Key results:
Water-logging associated impacts on crop growth has been identified as an additional impact of climate change on crop growth in atoll islands It is man activities e.g. poorly planned developments that increases the vulnerability of people in the island Writing four papers and also a Brief for the Tuvalu Government for policy makers Agro-biodiversity approach – farmers planting more than one type of crop; during drought season one type of crop dies while a few others survive Multi-farm approach – one family having more than one farm field around the island, to increase the chance of one farm field surviving the drought season. Farmers have adopted several adaptation methods to reduce crop yield loss, example ground cover, growing resilience varieties and planting pulaka in raised concrete composted fields Integration of traditional knowledge across sectors in the communities that PACE SD is working in
Photos:
Focal Point:
Viliamu Iese, Research Fellow and Supervisor, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; Tel: +679 3232828; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.usp.ac.fj/pace
Leone Limalevu, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
Dear members,
Bright Spot: Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation Project
Key Results:
Development of community methodology i.e. how communities can adapt to climate change. We have developed this guideline called PACE SD methodology (click to view) and we are using that in all our communities and it has received recognition and the European Union and Development Alternatives Inc. is using it in their regional projects; it has received recognition in countries such as South Korea and Canberra. In Daku Village, Rewa Delta (South East of Fiji) two thirds of the village gets inundated during King Tides and they did not have high grounds to move to so the government approached us to carry out work there. With the little funding we built floodgates around the area. Communities are happy as they see sections of the community drying up and improved their living in terms of health and sanitation etc. Navukailagi Village, Gau Island has made their coast more resilient to coastal erosion through mangrove replanting and building of some structures. The beaches that had eroded are gradually returning and communities have started planting vegetables around the foreshore.
Essential Elements:
The approach used to implement the project is important. Most approaches are project based and have no sustainability, therefore the approach we used is a paradigm shift from project-based to program-based Adaptation to climate change needs to be really strategic Understanding that Climate Change is a development issue therefore sustainable development needs to be the core objective of any climate change project Have an integrated approach; out methodologies that addresses climate change takes into account disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, sustainable natural resource management and the communities’ livelihoods. Having an integrated approach ensures the sustainability of the work implemented. Establish a network where development can be catalysed taking away that negative perception on climate change adaptation Good governance/leadership within the communities
Statement: www.solutionexchange-un.net/repository/pc/ccd/waterforvillage-fjtimes241009.pdf (PDF; Size: 19KB)
Photo:
More photos: www.solutionexchange-un.net/repository/pc/ccd/adaptationactivities-dakuvillage- rewadelta.pdf (PDF; Size: 482KB)
Focal Point:
Leone Limalevu, Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; Tel: +679 323 2897; Fax: +679 323 2891; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.usp.ac.fj/pace
Floyd Robinson, United Nations Development Programme, Multi-Country Office, Suva, Fiji
Dear members,
Bright Spot: Sustainable Land Management Project (Implemented in Fiji 2008 – 2012)
These contributions were findings from the SLM Project’s Terminal Evaluation.
Key results:
The SLM Project increased awareness and strengthened sustainable land management in Fiji; the project gained political and community support for the process of mainstreaming SLM. The awareness for SLM occurred in a strategic manner across the two main islands around main catchment areas and in outer islands. These have been very successful and have resulted in greater awareness of SLM at the grass root level.
The role of Mid Term Evaluation (MTE) was found to be very important for the Project in Fiji as it identified achievements and key issues and made appropriate recommendations to further help the future direction of the SLM Project in its final phase.
The Terminal Evaluation noted that the Land Resource and Planning Division -LRPD (Department of Agriculture) submitted a FJ$200,000 proposal for SLM work to government under the new budget for 2013 and this was approved. This indicated the great commitment that LRPD and government have towards sustaining sustainable land management in the nation despite difficult financial circumstances.
The SLM Project has improved the capacity in mapping capability of LRPD in three Divisions in Fiji. The SLM Project has provided GIS training and applying GIS capability to other areas like forestry monitoring, bird monitoring and natural resource management.
Several training manuals developed in partnership with the SLM Project that included SLM approaches. Towards strengthening of institutional arrangements for SLM, the Project has assessed organizations and functions across agencies and states, and has also reviewed several legislations and policies across sectors to develop the Sustainable Land Use Policy for the nation.
Essential Elements:
An MTE is crucial in assessing the progress of the various outcomes and outputs for the SLM project and the recommendations provided guidance for the implementation of the last phase of the project. The SLM Project benefitted from the MTE in many ways to take stock of activities done and realign and re-direct the project.
The Inception workshop and national steering committee meetings were instrumental in the successful implementation of the SLM Project. The revision of indicators, targets and outputs during the inception workshop were especially critical to the successful implementation of the project. Although the National Landcare Steering Committee was not fully functional it was fully revived during the last year of the project. This showed the need to have a fully functional national steering committee as it has a mandate to help guide the project.
The Letter of Agreement (LOA) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) needs to be put in place for collaborating partners. The roles of collaborating partners need to be clearly identified before the inception workshop. The partnerships are important in the successful execution of the SLM Project and especially in providing a legal framework for collaboration and partnerships amongst relevant agencies, sectors, regional organizations and communities.
The commitment and dedication of the SLM Project teams at three Divisions contributed greatly to the successful implementation and the SLM Project performances. The leadership of the Director of LRDP and the team work amongst the three divisional land use sections played key roles in the successful implementation of the SLM Project.
The use of demonstration sites clearly showed the value of using vetiver grass and pineapple to prevent soil erosion. This was very effective in demonstration farms and in catchment areas.
Having Technical Capacities for Biophysical Surveys and GIS Mapping is critical and are now clearly established at LRPD and should receive recognition from the nation as having capacities to undertake SLM activities in Fiji.
SLM team has acquired additional skills in conducting participatory workshops and meetings. A specific example is the ability for the SLM team to conduct the community- based “train the trainers” workshops. The SLM team members have been trained and re- trained during the lifetime of the SLM Project.
Photos:
Focal Point:
Floyd Robinson, Environment Associate, United Nations Development Programme, Multi-Country Office, Suva, Fiji; Tel: +679 3312500; Email: [email protected]
Joeli Veitayaki, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
Dear colleagues,
Our Bright Spot is titled ‘Lomani Gau’ (which translates to Treasure or Care for Gau). It is our hope that every person on Gau Island treasures and cares for Gau because it’s the source of their life and will be for their future generations.
Key results:
We are enjoying a good collaborative partnership with all the 16 villages, the Gau Secondary School and the Civil Servants on the island. We are pursuing an integrated rural development model that emphasises sustainability through the maintenance of the health of the natural system on Gau as people pursue rural development to improve their lives. The environment management and rural development are implemented by people who are supported in their self- determined initiatives.
Project funds for activities are used to assist people with their rural development initiatives if they do the activities themselves. So far the partnerships have assisted with three community cattle farms, setting up of three village stores; three copra purchasing ventures, two kava purchasing operations and two mat selling arrangements and two micro credit facilities. Some of the impacts are shown in the photos.
We invested in working with the local people so that they can lead the engagement. We conducted regular meetings and training and visits to the individual villages. We support the strengthening of the Gau Island Council so that the islanders all work together. We are enjoying the combination of top down and bottom up approaches.
Essential Elements:
Good collaborative partnership with the communities Establish community ownership in the initiatives to ensure sustainability of the project Incorporate capacity building into your projects for the people in the community, this also ensure project sustainability and effectiveness Use top down and bottom up approaches
Photos:
Focal Point: Joeli Veitayaki, School of Marine Studies, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; Email: [email protected]; Tel: (+679) 323 2960;
Many thanks to all who contributed to this query!
If you have further information to share on this topic, please send it to Solution Exchange for the Climate Change and Development Community in the Pacific at [email protected] with the subject heading “Re: [ccd-pc-se] QUERY: Island Bright Spots. Examples; Experiences. Additional Reply.”
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