Traditional leaders of Ovalau launch an island-scale plan to manage resources sustainably

All 25 villages of Ovalau including Levuka Town have committed to managing their terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems sustainably.

Wildlife Conservation Society says after witnessing multiple factors contributing to the depletion of natural resources and increasing impacts of climate change, local communities are taking ownership of their actions to control of how it affects the ecosystems that they depend on for their livelihoods.

They say the four paramount chiefs of the island reinforced their commitment to supporting actions that help ecosystems that provide for their needs, build resilience and be able to continue providing for the needs of their future generations.

WCS Melanesia Director, Dr. Stacy Jupiter says the Ecosystem-based Management plan will strengthen the implementation of existing customary management practices surrounding the use of natural resources.

She says it also offers new strategies that promote food security, human wellbeing, as well as protecting Ovalau’s unique biodiversity.

WCS Community Engagement Coordinator, Akanisi Caginitoba says village elders and community members identified approaches to address threats, including the establishment of management rules and protected areas to ensure the sustainable management of the island’s natural resources.