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Fiji's Oldest Marine Park

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You are here: Home / News and Events / Waitabu Marine Park is highlighted in this paper published in Ecological Economics

Waitabu Marine Park is highlighted in this paper published in Ecological Economics

Waitabu Marine Park is highlighted in this paper published in Ecological Economics – Volume 171, May 2020, 106607

Ecological Economics

Contributions of tourism-based Marine Conservation Agreements to natural resource management in Fiji

Highlights

  • Marine Conservation Agreements in Fiji are largely being used to establish MPAs.
  • Less than a third of MCAs include explicit financial incentives.
  • MCAs are contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries.

Abstract

The marine environment is vital for Fiji’s tourism sector, yet industry and community partnerships to conserve it have largely gone unrecognised. A study from March to October 2017 documented the extent and scale to which ‘Marine Conservation Agreements’ (MCAs) between tourism operators and indigenous, resource owning communities are used in Fiji, and their contribution to biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. More than half of operators (69.1%) interviewed had been involved, were involved, or were becoming involved, in some form of MCA, focused on temporary or permanent no-take Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs established through MCAs covered an estimated 26,625 ha, of which 21,000 ha comprised deep water and offshore reefs within two large marine reserves, and 5625 ha comprised mostly nearshore shallow fringing reefs and slopes. Only 28% of tourism-based MCAs included explicit economic incentives to the resource owners such as some level of payment, provision of infrastructure, or employment opportunities directly related to marine conservation. The remaining 72% supplied broader benefits such as sustainable marine resources or general employment in the tourism sector. Although MCAs are in place in Fiji with implied and not formal or explicit conditionality, they contribute to natural resource management and should be counted in global biodiversity targets.

Authors

  • Sangeeta Mangubhaia
  • Helen Sykes b
  • Marita Manleyc
  • Kiji Vukikomoalad
  • Madeline Beattiee

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106607

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Visiting The Park

You have two options to visit the park.

One is the F$75 Cultural Experience Tour (includes Refreshments,Entertainments & Bilibili Ride) or for those travelling on a light budget, the F$50 Snorkeling Tour. You can save F$5 per person for groups of 4 or more.
Visits should be arranged in advance, please call 679-820-1999 or 679-930-4588

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News from Waitabu

There is a saying in Waitabu that if everything is alright in the community, the nuqa will appear. When they do, there is a ritual called "ta nuqa" (literally, fetching nuqa) performed at the beach to catch these tiny animals.

Traditional Nuqa harvest at Waitabu signifies a peaceful and harmonised Vanua!

There is a saying in Waitabu that if everything is alright in the community, the nuqa will appear. When they do, there is a ritual called “ta nuqa” (literally, fetching nuqa) performed at the beach to catch these tiny animals.

Thesis: Vanua as Environment: Conservation, Farming, and Development in Waitabu, Fiji

Vanua as Environment: Conservation, Farming, and Development in Waitabu, Fiji by Hao-Li Lin, BA, Anthropology, National Taiwan University, 2004 Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Defended and approved on March 16th, 2015

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Welcome to Waitabu Marine Park

Arrive in the tree-adorned island of Taveuni to discover a tropical paradise you’ve only dreamed about. Slip on your fins and mask and slide into the warm waters of Fiji. Let all the stress of everyday life fall away as you make your way along the magical reef of Waitabu.

The communities of Waitubu and Bouma came to protect their native fishing grounds in 1998. Their foresight and diligence has allowed visitors, like yourself, the opportunity to share in the beauty of the Waitabu Marine Park. These crystal-clear waters are home to the most amazing marine species you may ever see. Don’t be too surprised when you pass a sea turtle or find yourself following a gentle ray. You know you’re in paradise when you’ve landed in the Waitabu Marine Park.

Wake up and see the beautiful sunrise over the marine park as the start of every new day begins in Waitabu

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About Us

In 1998 the Waitabu Village of Taveuni declared its fishing grounds or "qoliqoli" to be "tabu" -- a no-take fishing zone. NZAID initially supported the designation with funds for biological surveys and administration. The Wainileli and the Bouma qoliqoli, were continually and heavily overfished, resulting in small fish stocks and damaged coral. Through the continuous drive of community members and non-governmental agencies, the region is now celebrating a healthy and abundant reef for the past 20 … Read More >>

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  • Waitabu Marine Park Ruggers U21 Team @e 15th Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s Tournament 2022
  • Traditional Nuqa harvest at Waitabu signifies a peaceful and harmonised Vanua!
  • Thesis: Vanua as Environment: Conservation, Farming, and Development in Waitabu, Fiji
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