OA science and policy leadership in Fiji
The OA Alliance was in Suva, Fiji last month to finish up filming on a short documentary the OA Alliance has commissioned, in partnership with LUMA Storytelling. Our team’s week was rich with collaborations. We met with OA scientists at Pacific Community and University of South Pacific, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and even visited Muanaira Village for a special Sevusevu traditional introduction with the Village Chief.
Our trip was intended to better understand and strengthen the connection from local ocean acidification science to local, domestic and even international policy.
One highlight from the trip was joining Dr. Katy Soapi and her team at Pacific Community on a research boat in Suva Harbor. Together, we collected OA measurements with sensors and water samples outside Suva, Harbor, later verifying them in the lab. The important science work being led by Pacific Community is helping Fiji to:
Create baseline measurement of ocean acidification in national waters.
Conduct species specific research to understand the vulnerability of oysters and other important species in Fiji. Ocean acidification has major consequences for lucrative pearl farming for internationally acclaimed jewelry and for local aquaculture providing food for villages around the island.
Replant mangroves to reduce the impacts of localized acidification and improve the ocean conditions for oysters growing nearby.
The science is only half of the story. We also met with colleagues at the Fijian Ministry of Environment and Climate and Ministry of Fisheries who are ensuring that ocean acidification is included in their National Ocean Policy as well as strategies to implement the Paris Climate Agreement. Fiji’s National Determined Contribution (part of their contribution to the Paris Climate Agreement) will include an Ocean Sector with specific directives to increase the understanding of OA in Fijian waters to inform climate adaptation strategies and increase food security.
This is especially important, as communities like those who live in Muanaira Village rely on seafood for income and to feed their families as was evident by their oyster aquaculture operations run by village women. Scientists at Pacific Community are taking monthly measurements of ocean acidification in the village in order to evaluate potential vulnerabilities to the oyster growing operation and make recommendations to ensure resilient aquaculture into the future.
On all fronts, Fiji is leading the way on connecting applied ocean acidification science to policy and action and Luma Storytelling captured it all! We are excited to share the final film which will include communities of practice connecting ocean acidification science to action in North America, Latin America and the Pacific Island Region.
The short film will be premiered at the Pacific Pavilion during the upcoming UN Climate Meeting COP30, November 10-22 in Belem, Brazil. Stay connected with the OA Alliance to take part in the premier in person or virtually!
A big thank you to Pacific Community, University of the South Pacific (Suva), Ministry of Environment and Climate, Ministry of Fisheries and the Chief and community at Muanaira Village. Your hospitality, leadership, and dedication to turning OA science into policy action made this journey unforgettable.
Vinaka Vaka Levu!