Fiji taps into nature-based solutions to boost its ecosystems and economy

Fiji has an abundance of natural resources, and lacks the intense demographic, economic and industrial pressures that cause many serious environmental issues. Still, the Small Island Developing State (SIDS) must contend daily with environmental challenges caused by the global climate crisis, including sea level rise, coastal erosion and bleaching of corals.

These in turn cause loss of biodiversity which impacts livelihoods and food security. The global mismanagement of plastic waste has not spared Fiji either, with plastic waste increasingly contaminating the country’s shorelines and oceans.

To address these issues, Fiji has been looking towards innovative, nature-based solutions – approaches that use the power of nature to reduce climate risks and ensure human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

Here Mr. Joshua Wycliffe, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment in Fiji, discusses the country’s experience.

How are communities in SIDS reducing coastal pollution?

Across the world, coastal regions and ecosystems are facing diverse environmental pressures from overexploitation, soil erosion, urban waste discharge and more. In the Pacific region, the problem is even more severe given the reliance of countries on healthy ocean ecosystems and services.

Watch this video by the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society!

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Ocean Cleanup from Plastics

Oceans cover 71% of our planet and contain a volume of plastic that has become so high that “in just a few years, we might end up with a pound of plastic for every three pounds of fish in the sea”.

By combining machine learning, satellite data, and drone technology, scientists are equipped to remotely detect plastic waste hotspots, quantify marine litter, and even detect tiny plastic pieces floating in oceans.

Marine Litter Workshop

On April 7, 2022, the AFD-funded Committing to Sustainable Waste Actions in the Pacific (SWAP) Project implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) hosted a Marine Litter Workshop with participation from Sustainable Coastlines, Ocean Conservancy and the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society.

Many of you attended this workshop, and we thank you for that as well as your active participation in the discussions and feedback provided.
For people who were unable to attend the workshop or those who wish to review it, please find the link below.

Thanks Julie Pillet for sharing!

Rooted - written and performed by talented Mia Kami, 23-year-old singer/songwriter and activist from the island of Tonga, at the opening of the 7th Our Ocean Conference in Palau this April.

"Like the wind we still move
Like the waves we rise high
Like the sun we never die
We will stay standing
Hear our calling
We are rooted to the ground"

Thanks Simon Bennett for sharing!