Indigenous-led conservation and restoration: A case study of the marine protected area in Naidiri Village, Fiji

This thesis investigates the implementation of an Indigenous-led Community-Based Marine Protected Area (CBMPA) in Fiji through a case study of Naidiri village located on Viti Levu island in Nadroga-Navosa Province. This involves describing the cumulative impacts of social-ecological change operating across spatial and temporal scales that have impacted the coral reef ecosystem and conservation and restoration practices taken by the village in response. Data were collected through 24 semi-structured interviews with iTaukei (Indigenous Fijian) in Naidiri and participant observation by the author. The data show that the coral reef ecosystem is central to the ontology of iTaukei, but over the last several decades, reef health has declined as the result of cumulative anthropogenic impacts operating across scales (e.g. climate change and overexploitation). In 2007, youth from Naidiri implemented a CBMPA and undertook restoration efforts, including coral planting. The creation of the CBMPA has altered how iTaukei engage with their marine environment with differing impacts among villagers. For example, the creation of the CBMPA restricted hunting octopus, predominantly a women’s activity and central to their cash income, whereas at the same time, the CBMPA has generated new economic opportunities through tourism. This research highlights the importance of gender considerations and Indigenous rights to lands and resources in marine conservation as a tool for building resilience.