Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas

LMMA Strategies 

The LMMA model supports Fijian communities as they seek solutions to emerging climate-related problems through the revival of traditional knowledge combined with modern tools. One of the key LMMA strategies is the establishment of marine areas known as tabu: seasonal closures for breeding fish and marine populations while banning the use of destructive fishing methods. Tabu areas are designed to improve the yield of marine resources (i.e. fisheries) and restore important marine species such as giant clams, turtles and fish. This strategy aims to provide food security for local populations who are dependent upon fish stocks and other marine resources for their livelihoods and employment.

Another common LMMA strategy is the replanting of mangroves and coastal trees in order to reduce coastal and river-side erosion. Severe storms and coastal flooding which cause erosion can have disastrous consequences for agricultural production, human settlements, and ecosystems. Thus, erosion prevention is critical to the social and ecological sustainability of Fijian communities.

Community Engagement Process

Drama is a key, community-based strategy, as many elders who are decision-makers in local villages are illiterate. Drama provides an interactive and innovative means to translate complex concepts-- such as the science of climate change--to a level understandable to the public. Its colorful depictions of the real-life implications of climate change educate Fijian communities about the need to make  informed decisions about resilience building and disaster risk reduction programs.

The LMMA community participation process begins with a workshop where members engage in  dialogue with the aim to ensure that the LMMA network goals are in harmony with community goals. This is followed by a strategy session where community members work together in order to design a marine resource management plan. 

A management plan might include the following elements:³

• The declaration of a tabu area, together with other traditional management practices.
• Reduction in the number of fishing licenses.
• Banning of the use of destructive fishing practices.
• Restoration of economically important marine species, such as clams.
• Reduction of marine pollution.
• Alternative livelihood options.

After adopting the action plan, the community begins to monitor changes in their local environment, analyzing the impacts of climate change on marine resources while developing strategies to minimize climate risks. Meetings are held on a regular basis to review progress and identify whether or not changes in the action plan are needed.

Over the years, the LMMA network has grown, with active members in Palau, Indonesia, Papau New Guinea, the Phillipines, Micronesia, and the Soloman Islands. It continues to be an important natural resource protection model for small island nations, developing effective responses to a warming world.

Footnotes

¹: Original article adapted, with permission from authors, from Alifereti Tawake, Juan Hoffmaister, "Participatory Adaptation Strategies," 2008.  Material based on their work and field research in Fiji.

²³: Fiji, LMMA Networks

Resources

• Alifereti Tawake, Juan Hoffmaister, "Adaptation in Locally Managed Marine Areas in Fiji," State of the World 2009: Into a Warming World (Washington DC: Worldwatch Institute, 2009), 90-91.

External Link:

• Worldwatch - Nonprofit environmental policy and research organization.
• LMMA Network - "Our website is designed to provide information, lessons and stories from communities that are using a locally-managed marine area approach in the management and conservation of their marine resources."