WCS-Fiji

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐚

WCS recently handed over farming tools and equipment to five women and youth-led community cooperatives in Bua District, including digging forks, cane knives, shovels and digging spades.
These tools will support wetland restoration activities to help ensure a continued supply of kuta, an important natural fibre used by communities for weaving products and supporting local livelihoods.

WCS also provided financial record-keeping materials, including receipt books, payment vouchers, cash books, stock take books and share registers. These resources will help strengthen financial management, transparency and accountability within the cooperatives.

Kuta farming is a regenerative livelihood for communities in Bua. It contributes to landscape restoration while supporting efforts to reduce fishing pressure on marine resources.

The initiative forms part of the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, which is implemented in partnership with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and funded by Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada.

WCS recently supported a week-long Business Management and Bookkeeping Training in Navunievu facilitated by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, bringing together thirty (30) youths to strengthen their knowledge and skills in cooperative management, bookkeeping, and small business development.

The training was conducted under the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative, which aims to create alternative livelihood opportunities for communities while helping reduce fishing pressure on marine resources.

Participants were introduced to key areas such as business management, record keeping, leadership, and cooperative operations, equipping them with practical skills to support income-generating activities within their community.

The training also provided youths with a better understanding of the importance of cooperatives, proper bookkeeping practices, teamwork, and accountability in running a successful business initiative.

WCS acknowledges the partnership and support of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada for supporting initiatives that empower rural youths and strengthen community resilience.

More on this story:

Youth Empowerment Initiative Brings Business Skills Training to Navunievu. Thirty (30) youths from Navunievu took part in a week-long Business Management and Bookkeeping Training conducted in the village last week, aimed at empowering young people with the skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen their involvement in community development. The train

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲
Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna is remembered as one of Fiji’s greatest visionaries, a leader who understood the deep connection between people, land, and future generations. While he is widely known for helping establish the Native Land Trust system to safeguard iTaukei land, his vision also reflected the importance of managing land wisely to sustain livelihoods and communities. He believed that land should be protected, cared for, and used responsibly for the benefit of present and future generations. Today, that legacy continues through conservation efforts across Fiji.

At WCS-Fiji, our work to support integrated reef-to-ridge management, restoring and safeguarding forests and climate resilient reefs, reflects the same principle that healthy ecosystems support healthy communities.

At , WCS-Fiji is contributing to global discussions on locally led climate adaptation, drawing on lessons from the AQUADAPT project in Cakaudrove, Fiji.

Our work demonstrates how nature‑based solutions (NbS) can be integrated into community‑based aquaculture, linking pearl oyster farming with ecosystem restoration to deliver biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience benefits.

A key takeaway is that effective adaptation requires leadership from Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs). Through cooperative governance structures and rights‑based approaches, AQUADAPT highlights the importance of building trust, strengthening local institutions, and supporting community ownership.

The project also underscores the critical role of gender equality, with women actively participating in aquaculture operations, data collection, and decision‑making processes, contributing to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

At CBA20, WCS-Fiji and Pacific partners are advocating for adaptation approaches that are inclusive, grounded in nature, and truly locally led.

Konservasi Indonesia Haleta Seaweed Women in Fisheries Network- Fiji Chiang Mai University International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)