A UN-backed project is helping Fijians in the district of Korolevu-i-wai to operate sustainable tourism projects associated with Fiji’s coral reef, and support the development needs of the community.
Victor Bonito, a coral reef ecologist, has been working with the local community since 2005, to help them to better manage and restore marine resources in their traditional fishing ground.
Active in coral reef research and conservation efforts around the world for over 22 years, Victor has an extensive knowledge of coral reef ecosystems.
These skills are particularly important in a country like Fiji, where the most populated island – Viti Levu – is flanked on its southwest coast by the country’s longest fringing reef system, affectionately known as the Coral Coast.
The Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy (ICRBE) programme supports the customary fishing rights owners for the Korolevu-i-Wai community, to sustainably operate coral-reef-associated ecotourism attractions and activities in the Locally Managed Marine Area, as well as help support the communal development needs of the community.
Mr. Seniucudromo says that the programme is a way for him to be a good ancestor.
“We need to always have our next generation at the back of our mind when we do developments and in our normal daily life when interacting with our ecosystem”.
Find out more about the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy, visit here.
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