The ridge-to-reef approach on Cicia Island, Fiji

Area of Science:

• Marine and Terrestrial Conservation
• Environmental Management
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Background:

• Pacific countries, including Fiji, utilize a 'ridge-to-reef' approach for environmental management.
• Fiji's Lau Seascape Strategy (2018-2030) targets integrated natural resource management.
• Cicia Island has an established informal ridge-to-reef scheme predating the strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present Cicia Island's informal ridge-to-reef scheme.
• To highlight local perceptions of the scheme's land and sea benefits.
• To explore the connection between the scheme and the iTaukei concept of vanua.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic fieldwork for 1 month.
• Analysis of local perceptions and conceptualizations.
• Examination of land-sea management through an Indigenous relational ontology lens.

Main Results:

• Cicia Island's scheme combines certified organic agriculture and locally managed marine closures.
• Local perceptions indicate positive effects on both land and sea.
• The scheme aligns with the iTaukei concept of vanua, linking land, sea, and dwellers.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) concept of vanua intrinsically connects land and sea health.
• Effective land-sea management requires engagement beyond ecological perspectives.
• Incorporating iTaukei relational ontology is crucial for holistic environmental management.