Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. The influence of the Fijian way of life (bula vakavanua) on community-based marine conservation (CBMC) in Fiji, with a focus on social capital and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) A thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Resource and Environmental Planning Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Winifereti Ubianalaca Nainoca 2011 i Abstract This doctoral research explores the role of bula vakavanua (traditional Fijian way of life) in implementing community-based marine conservation (CBMC) in Fiji, with a focus on indigenous Fijian social capital and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). A combination of western and indigenous methodologies was utilised with a particular focus on CBMC experiences at three case study sites, namely Navakavu (Rewa); Kubulau (Bua) and Verata (Tailevu). The Vanua Research Framework (VRF) developed by Nabobo-Baba (2007) was adapted to elicit stories from these communities based on indigenous practices of talanoa, which literally means ‘to tell a story’. I am an indigenous Fijian female researcher, and consequently needed to respect and follow traditional protocols pertinent to females and indigenous Fijians with regards to gender issues and tribal and kinship links. The three key findings of my research are: the interconnectedness of all things in the bula vakavanua; talanoa as dialogue and negotiation to facilitate adaptation of the bula vakavanua to external factors; and kinship (veiwekani) as the hub through which TEK and social capital actions and behaviour are lived out. First, to indigenous Fijians, all creation is interconnected. The common Fiji mud crab1 (qari) is used as a metaphor to illustrate interconnection between all aspects of the bula vakavanua in an indigenous Fijian world. There is a ‘crab’ saying in Fijian society that is translated “I’ll walk how you walked, mother”. In CBMC initiatives, bula vakavanua (the crab) lives in an environment influenced by other factors, including political, social and economic factors. These factors have to be continually and appropriately integrated into the bula vakavanua so that the crab adapts and flourishes. Second, this integration can be facilitated by talanoa as dialogue and negotiation so that community members and CBMC partners can share, reflect upon and reframe their worldviews, perceptions and ultimately practices. Talanoa is facilitated by developing listening and communication skills that enable participants to clarify, critique and re- 1 Brachyura species. ii align their perceptions. This re-alignment may require the change in norms, behaviour and practices in prevailing Fijian culture in order to adapt to the changing environment. I use examples from my case studies to show where talanoa as dialogue and negotiations have worked and, where talanoa is still ongoing to develop shared understanding and resolve conflicts. Third, kinship (veiwekani) is the basis upon which most aspects of the bula vakavanua are lived out. Kinship may be based on blood links, Vanua links or through marriage. In Fiji both TEK and social capital are embedded within the kinship system of the bula vakavanua. For instance in TEK, skills and knowledge are inherited through birth and reinforced by oral transmission and training throughout the generations, emphasising the embeddedness of TEK in families and kinship systems. The impacts of this research are centred round the three key findings. Indigenous Fijians must appreciate that, just like the metaphorical crab, the bula vakavanua has to continually adapt to a changing environment through talanoa, or it will not survive. These adaptations will require different degrees of change in cultural behaviour and norms in order to make it suitable and relevant for the current times. The bula vakavanua (or other indigenous way of life) must be appreciated and how it plays out in the CBMC work must be understood, and appropriately facilitated, to help ensure the sustainability and success of the work. NGOs can play a more prominent role in facilitating talanoa sessions for unresolved issues in CBMC work, while indigenous Fijian individuals in the partner organisations can provide a crucial a link between the organisation and the community. The government also needs to exercise the political will to resolve some issues such as legal recognition of community-appointed qoliqoli wardens, MPAs and the issue of qoliqoli ownership by the Vanua. This research is not only relevant to Fiji, but to other Pacific Island sites, or any CBMC sites where indigenous knowledge and way of life exist. iii Dedication This paper is dedicated to two people who have greatly influenced my life; My late mother: Adi Eceli Bonacibau Vueti and My husband: Vivian Joave Guy Nainoca. iv Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge and thank all the individuals whose contributions are so significant and without whom this piece of work would not have been completed. Firstly I thank God above who is the source of all great wonderful things, and of all wisdom. Awesome Father – your love is so amazing! I am eternally grateful. To my husband Vivian, the bestest husband in the world, for your constant encouragement and never-ending excellent support for me to pursue this - I’m forever grateful. My supervisors, Professor Bruce Glavovic, whose guidance was invaluable and for patience in enduring supervising me all these years - you deserve to be knighted for having a student such as I- vinaka vakalevu ‘Sir Bruce’! Associate Professor Glenn Banks (the wise old owl) for your patient review and corrections, thank you tu mas! Dr. Trisia Farrelly (brains and beauty combo deal) – your insights were too valuable, vina’a va’alevu! To my various supervisors over the years – Dr. Marco Amarti, Dr. John Overton, Dr Meredith Gibbs, Dr. Keith Ridler - vinaka vakalevu! Dr. Mark Bellingham thank you for finding me in Fiji and helping me start this journey. Dr. Bale Tamata, thank you for being my Massey acknowledged pastoral PhD mentor. My children and their spouses Filipe & Takayawa, Mesu & Makelesi, Eceli & Ratu Osea, Isoa & Angelique - you were a big help and motivation during my studies. My precious grandchildren Mesu So’oialo, Dee Talatoka, Roje and Divah – saying goodbye to you during my trips was always the hardest part. My flatmates on this PhD journey: Adi Alisi and my grandaughters Nunu and Di Cagi. Thank you Dr. Siti for your wonderful girls. I am very grateful to Associate Professor Rukhmani Goundar, Professor Finau, Azima and the Pasifika @ Massey staff for the priviledge to present papers at your annual conferences for 3 consecutive years. To Talatala Wais, John, Gideon & Mili, Colati & Titilia, and the ANCF in Palmy, Dawn & Kellis Byrnes and your beautiful daughters – fellowshipping with you was eternally sweet. To Eric & Emily Drodrolagi and family of Auckland, vinaka vakalevu for having me in your home. A big vinaka vakalevu to my brothers and sisters and their families, and Vivian’s brothers and sisters and their families, especially the late Pa Mesu and Tata Laisa, and my extended family ( Noco, Levuka and Lasakau). I am so fortunate to be related to all of you. To the Kolinisau family – thank you for your support in prayers and v encouragement. Kevin, thanks a lot for your patience in formatting! Vinaka vakalevu Joe Ratumaitavuki na dau saumi taro! My girlfriends Jiu, Tiamawi, Kula, Akisi, Diana, Miri, Doreen, Sau, Charlotte, Dilu, Susie-tee, Dr. Bakalevu, Louise, Sulu, Lusi-dee, Ariela, Pei-bale and Joy, thank you for your encouragement. Thank you also to my FAWG friends Dr. Kedrayate, Lily, Mary, Vanessa, Seni, Ronna, Annie, Agnes, Zakia and the young FAWGers. My sponsors the Fijian Affairs Board, Turaga Naita Ratu Meli na Permanent Secretary, Adi Laite, Tu Save, Melia, Esita, Alifereti, Epeli and Sevudredre - cecere dina na veiqaravi! The Rewa Provincial Council, Mr. Tagicakiverata, and Ro Cuanilawa for the kind financial assistance and acknowledgement. Na noqu vakavinavinaka vakalevu kei na vakarokoroko kina veivanua vakaturaga oqo; Kubulau, Bua; Verata, Tailevu; kei Navakavu, Rewa. Vinaka vakalevu ki na veikorokoro vakaturaga ena yalo ni veiciqomi, vakabibi ki Namalata, Navatu, Verata Ucunivanua, Muaivuso, Nabaka, Waiqanake kei Namakala. Vinaka vakalevu Ratu Pio, Jolame, Paulo kei Sirilo na veivuke kei na veiqaravi. Me noda vata tiko ga na veivakalougatataki ni Tamada sa cecere sara. FLMMA and field work friends – Dr. Bill, Kesa, Dr. Joeli, Sunia, Tawake, Semisi, Dr. Stacey, Sefa, Ratu Pio, Jolame, Paulo, Sirilo, Thomas, Cagi, Akuila, Loraini, Ron, Etika, Eleni, Maggie, Melia, turaga-ni-koro Navatu, Waiqanake, Verata Ucunivanua: I am deeply indebted to each of you. Thank you to Elenoa for your wonderful companionship, and for your support, during the field work phase of the research. FIT Directorate and friends Mr. Kolinio Meo, Dr. Ganesh, Mr. Mataika, Mr. Cawanibuka, Akisi, Salabogi, Apisai, Mrs Tuberi (Isa!), Nimilote, Joji, Bill, Te, Rabici, Mr. Rokocakau, Ili, Cynthia and General Studies/Applied Science staff – Nirbhay, Lepani, Sala, Apikali, Liti, Elijah, Randy, Amit, Chandra, Ateet, Dhiren, Para, Sharon, Judy, Bulou, Sailasa, Ratu Meli, Nellie, Marica, Tanya, Pita, Neelam, Alani and the Communication Studies (Isa Eta Vocea!), Kara, Lote, Una and OHS department staff . Thank you also my DES project students – Miri, Dipaliki, Josua and Watisoni. There are also a lot of other individuals that were consulted and who have helped in various ways, especially in the obtaining of information in the field. I may have not mentioned you by name, but I am deeply indebted to each and everyone of you. vi Table of Contents ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................. I DEDICATION ......................................................................................................................................... III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................................................... IV TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................... VI FIGURES ................................................................................................................................................... X TABLES .................................................................................................................................................. XII ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................................................... XIII CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1 1.1 PREAMBLE .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.3 BULA VAKAVANUA, SOCIAL CAPITAL, TEK AND CO-MANAGEMENT...................................................... 8 1.3.1 Bula vakavanua .................................................................................................................... 8 1.3.2 Social Capital ..................................................................................................................... 10 1.3.3 Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) .......................................................................... 11 1.3.4 Co-management ................................................................................................................. 11 1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORK ........................................................................................................... 13 1.4.1 Indigenous Fijian woman fisher tribe member voice ......................................................... 20 1.5 KEY QUESTION AND IDEAS – MAIN AIM AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................... 21 1.6 GENERAL COMMENT ON STUDY APPROACH..................................................................................... 22 1.7 STRUCTURE OF THESIS ..................................................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 25 2.1 INTRODUCTION: RESEARCH APPROACH ........................................................................................... 25 2.1.1. Thematic areas of Inquiry .................................................................................................. 26 2.2. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD ................................................................................................... 27 2.2.1. Case Studies ....................................................................................................................... 29 2.2.2. Indigenous Research and Methodologies ........................................................................... 32 2.2.3 Talanoa .............................................................................................................................. 35 2.4. INDIGENOUS RESEARCH PROCESS AND ETHICS ............................................................................... 36 2.4.1. The indigenous Fijian research process ............................................................................. 36 2.4.2. Ethical considerations ........................................................................................................ 45 2.5 FIELD WORK .................................................................................................................................... 47 2.5.1. Forms of Data Collection ................................................................................................... 51 2.5.1.1 Qualitative interviewing ................................................................................................ 51 vii 2.5.1.2. Talanoa and Focus groups ................................................................................................. 52 2.5.1.3. Analysis of texts and documents ......................................................................................... 53 2.5.2. Triangulation ...................................................................................................................... 53 2.6. METHODS ........................................................................................................................................ 54 2.6.1. Content Analysis ................................................................................................................. 54 2.7. CONCLUDING REMARKS .................................................................................................................. 55 CHAPTER 3 CONTEXT......................................................................................................................... 57 3.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 57 3.2 FIJI CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................... 57 3.2.1. Biophysical ......................................................................................................................... 57 3.2.3. Personal and Vanua Context .............................................................................................. 59 3.2.4 The Fijian Administration structure ................................................................................... 62 3.2.5. Legal Context ..................................................................................................................... 64 3.3. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN FIJI ......................................................................................... 65 3.4. CASE STUDIES SITES ....................................................................................................................... 72 3.4.1. Kubulau, Bua ...................................................................................................................... 73 3.4.2. Navakavu, Rewa ................................................................................................................. 76 3.4.3. Verata, Tailevu ................................................................................................................... 77 3.5. SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... 79 CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS ONE: SOCIAL CAPITAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED MARINE CONSERVATION IN FIJI ..................................................................................................................... 80 4.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 80 4.1.1. Social capital – brief background ...................................................................................... 82 4.2. THE PRESENCE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ................................................................................................ 86 4.2.1. Trust ................................................................................................................................... 88 4.2.2. Reciprocation ..................................................................................................................... 91 4.2.3. Networks and connectedness .............................................................................................. 94 4.2.4. Norms and Rules ................................................................................................................ 97 4.3. SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................ 109 4.3.1. Social capital in CBMC .................................................................................................... 109 4.3.2. Obstacles to forming and sustaining social capital and recommendations ...................... 112 4.4. CONCLUDING REMARKS ................................................................................................................ 115 CHAPTER 5 FINDINGS TWO: TEK AND COMMUNITY-BASED MARINE CONSERVATION (CBMC) IN FIJI ..................................................................................................................................... 117 5.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 117 5.1.1 A review of the concept of TEK ........................................................................................ 123 5.2 THE PRESENCE OF TEK. ................................................................................................................. 125 5.2.1 Fijian TEK values and beliefs .......................................................................................... 125 viii 5.2.2 Practices ........................................................................................................................... 131 5.2.3 Skills ................................................................................................................................. 132 5.2.4 Knowledge ........................................................................................................................ 136 5.2.5 Vector for cultural identity and transmission modes ........................................................ 140 5.3. INTEGRATION OF TEK AND NON-INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE ............................................... 143 5.4. CONCLUDING REMARKS ................................................................................................................ 146 CHAPTER 6 NOMU I QAIQAI GA QEI, NOQU I QAIQAI ............................................................... 148 (I’LL WALK HOW YOU WALK, MOTHER) ................................................................................... 148 6.1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 148 6.2. THE CRAB: NOMU I QAIQAI GA QEI, NOQU I QAIQAI ....................................................................... 151 6.2.1. Church (Lotu) ................................................................................................................... 154 6.2.2. Vanua Worldview ............................................................................................................. 157 6.2.3. Social Capital and TEK in CBMC .................................................................................... 159 6.2.5. Western knowledge systems/science ................................................................................. 166 6.2.6. Kinship (veiwekani) .......................................................................................................... 167 6.2.7. Some hindering aspects of Fijian Culture in CBMC ........................................................ 169 6.2.8. Traditional Governance ................................................................................................... 176 6.2.9. Westernisation and other cultures in Fiji ......................................................................... 180 6.2.10. Western governance system ......................................................................................... 186 6.3. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 191 6.3.1 SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................. 192 CHAPTER 7 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................... 194 7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 194 7.2 THE CRAB – SOCIAL CAPITAL AND TEK INTERCONNECTED IN CBMC ............................................ 195 7.2.1 Social capital influence on CBMC ................................................................................... 196 7.2.2 TEK influence on CBMC .................................................................................................. 197 7.2.3 Social capital and TEK interconnected in CBMC ............................................................ 198 7.3. OTHER FACTORS IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE CRAB ................................................................... 198 7.4 THE CRAB – SURVIVING AND WALKING BY ADAPTING .................................................................... 201 7.5 THE INDIGENOUS FIJIAN WOMAN FROM THE FISHER TRIBES’ VOICE................................................ 202 7.5.1 Indigenous voice ............................................................................................................... 202 7.5.2 Womens’ voice .................................................................................................................. 203 7.5.3 Fisher tribes voice ............................................................................................................ 204 7.6 LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY AND AREAS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH................................................ 204 7.7 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................. 205 7.8 PARTING REMARK .......................................................................................................................... 209 REFERENCE ......................................................................................................................................... 210 GLOSSARY & PRONUNCIATION .................................................................................................... 217 ix APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 220 APPENDIX 1 .......................................................................................................................................... 221 APPENDIX 2 .......................................................................................................................................... 227 APPENDIX 3 .......................................................................................................................................... 228 APPENDIX 4 .......................................................................................................................................... 229 APPENDIX 5 .......................................................................................................................................... 231 APPENDIX 6 .......................................................................................................................................... 234 APPENDIX 7 .......................................................................................................................................... 242 APPENDIX 8 .......................................................................................................................................... 243 x Figures FIGURE 1.1: Qoliqoli And Kanakana ........................................................................................................ 6 FIGURE 1.2: The Crab: Interconnectedness In The Bula Vakavanua. ..................................................... 15 FIGURE 1.3: Talanoa As A Dialogue For Reaching New Outcomes. ..................................................... 18 FIGURE 1.4: Kinship As Hub Through Which Social Capital And Tek Are Carried Out. ...................... 19 FIGURE 1.5: Thesis Outline And Key Theoretical Concepts ... 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FIGURE 2.1: Diagram To Illustrate Different Cousins ............................................................................ 39 FIGURE 3.1: Fiji In The Pacific ............................................................................................................... 58 FIGURE: 3.2: Traditional Indigenous Fijian Organisation Structure ....................................................... 59 FIGURE 3.3: Wini’s Family Tree Indicating Fisher Tribe Ancestry ........................................................ 60 FIGURE 3.4: Fijian Administration Structure .......................................................................................... 63 FIGURE 3.5: A Locally Managed Marine Area And Tools Used ............................................................ 69 FIGURE 3.6: The FLMMA Approach ..................................................................................................... 70 FIGURE 3.7: FLMMA Sites ..................................................................................................................... 72 FIGURE 3.8: Locations Of The Three Case Study Sites. ......................................................................... 73 FIGURE 3.9: Kubulau Management Resource Committee Logo ............................................................. 74 FIGURE 3.10: Kubulau Marine Network. ................................................................................................ 75 FIGURE 3.11: Navakavu Marine Protected Area ..................................................................................... 77 FIGURE 3.12: Measuring Kaikoso During Monitoring ............................................................................ 78 FIGURE 4.1: Summary Of Chapter 4 ....................................................................................................... 82 FIGURE 4.2: Main Influences On The Traditional Fijian Way Of Life (Bula Vakavanua). .................... 88 FIGURE 4.3: Reciprocation Between NGO And Village. ........................................................................ 92 FIGURE 4.4: My ‘Naita’ Is Part Of A Yavirau ........................................................................................ 98 FIGURE 4.5: Veiwekani Is The Hub Of Social Capital In The Fijian Community ................................ 111 FIGURE 5.1: Summary Of Chapter 5. .................................................................................................... 123 FIGURE 5.2: Components Of TEK In The Traditional Fijian Way Of Life. ......................................... 125 FIGURE 5.3: Fish Fence In Fiji .............................................................................................................. 135 FIGURE 5.4: Integration Between Non-indigenous Knowledge And TEK Using Negotiation ............. 144 FIGURE 6.1: Summary Of Chapter 6 ..................................................................................................... 154 xi FIGURE 6.2: Qoliqoli Committee And The Councils ............................................................................ 179 FIGURE 7.1: Summary Of Chapter 7 ..................................................................................................... 195 xii Tables TABLE 2.1: Qualitative Research Orientations Adopted For The Thesis ................................................ 28 TABLE 2.2: Case Study Sites Provinces And Confederacy ..................................................................... 30 TABLE 3.1: Traditional Roles And Responsibilities In A Village ........................................................... 61 TABLE 3.2: LMMA & FLMMA Statistics............................................................................................... 71 TABLE 3.3: Kubulau Population And Household Numbers. ................................................................... 73 TABLE 3.4: Navakavu Population And Household Numbers. ................................................................. 76 TABLE 3.5: Verata Population And Household Numbers. ...................................................................... 78 TABLE 4.1: Some Relationship Titles ...................................................................................................... 95 TABLE 4.3: Some Fijian Culture Specific Behaviours And Values Of Social Capital .......................... 102 TABLE 5.1: Verata Traditional Calender ............................................................................................... 138 TABLE 5.2: Fijian Traditional Calendar ................................................................................................. 139 TABLE 6.1: The Metaphorical Crab And Bula Vakavanua In CBMC ................................................... 153 xiii Acronyms BLV Bose Levu Vakaturaga CBMC Community-Based Marine Conservation CFG Customary Fishing Ground CI Conservation International CORAL Coral Reef Alliance DOE Department of Environment EBM Ecosystem Based Management EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMA Environmental management Act FAB Fijian Affairs Board FIT Fiji Institute of Technology FLMMA Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area FNU Fiji National University FSPI Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific GCC Great Council of Chiefs IAS Institute of Applied Science ICM Integrated Catchment Management LMMA Locally Managed Marine Areas MES Mamanuca Environment Society NGO Non-Government Organisation PCDF Pacific Community Development of Fiji TEK Traditional Ecological Knowledge TIK Traditional Indigenous Knowldge USP University of the South Pacific WCS Wildlife Conservation Society WI-O Wetlands International (Oceania) WWF World-WideFund for Nature