Carbon Trading Project, ‘First’ For Fiji
Eight mataqali (clans) of Drawa in Vanua Levu are now ripping the benefits of the commitment they made ten years ago on forest conservation. The mataqali formed the Drawa Block Forest Community Cooperative and started the carbon trading project in partnership with Nakau and Live and Learn Fiji. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) senior project officer with Live and Learn Fiji, Beato Dulunaqio said the Drawa project was the first carbon trading business in Fiji.
“The forest carbon credits are now a significant source of income for the community while the forest is well preserved,” he said. Mr Beato said this success has not only given Live and Learn Fiji the opportunity to replicate the model with their Ecosystems Adaptation Based Project, but has also informed a National REDD+ Unit within the Ministry of Forestry with the aspirations to educate eli-gible communities to conserve their forest and natural resources and, as an incentive, sell their carbon.
“The success of this project shows how Fijian communities can be leaders in forest conservation that also provides economic, social and climate resilience benefits, “he said.
He said after winning the Energy Globe Award in 2020, Drawa has not only been recognised in Fiji and the Pacific but globally. Mr Beato added,” Drawa has taken the first step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 in taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.”
Nakau’s chief executive officer (CEO) Robbie Henderson said the Drawa experience had shown that it was possible to find alternative ways for community development.
“Development that does not jeopardise nature, plants and animals and ultimately the community’s relationship and dependence on the natural environment,” he said.
Project manager Waita Curuvale said they would ensure the income from credit sales was shared accurately.
“The income from carbon credits is reinvested by the community in new enterprises that benefit all. “This project has benefited the people financially and has enabled individuals think differently when comes to forest conservation”
Ms Curuvale added, “Women in Lutukina village have also gained the interest to talk about how the honey business and forest carbon can benefit them.
“There have been other benefits for women and families too: access to a bank account and scholarships for school fees and school equipment to help more children have a better learning experience. “This opportunity has helped these women to look into upgrading their toilet facilities. Some families who do not have proper sanitation, the carbon sales have allowed these women to slowly build flush toilets in the community,” she said.