Breaking News!!!

SWAMP PLAN ON HOLD.

      Researchers have long been calling for the government of Fiji to effectively protect their mangroves.  However, legislation was never fully enforced.  A mere four days ago, on November 19, the government has done just that!  Well, almost.  In Fiji’s capital, Suva, officials announced that they are (finally) putting applications for development on mangroves on hold.  And with good reason--they say they need to protect mangroves and explore how they will do that by reviewing the Mangrove Management Plan of 1985-1986 in collaboration with agencies.  They publicly recognized the permanent loss of mangroves urban development has caused.  Furthermore, they called for an “urgent moratorium” because the loss of the mangroves means the loss of their traditional fishing grounds and cultivation for medicine and food.  The government is embracing tradition.  

       This is important because there is still so much unexplored potential of the tourism sector in Fiji.  Potential that could easily exploit the mangroves even more.  This decision shows that the government is taking a stand and standing up for mangroves and stepping in the right direction. This sends a strong message across both natives and foreign investors.  The government is acting in the interests of the environment and natives and developers will be forced to as well.   Director Environment Jope Davetanivalu said that before they development was allowed an environment impact assessment would have to be done, which could take a year.  

       Fiji is not rejecting urbanization, but rather they are demanding that it be done sustainably and carefully.  The area under review is the Suva peninsula areas.  This decision was a direct result of a letter from the people of Rewa calling attention to the destruction of mangroves from development on the Suva Peninsula.  The government is co-operating with its people.  

       This recent development is a good sign for future of Fijian mangroves.  The government is actively protecting its mangroves, and, furthermore, proves it is able to work with its people.  

Works Cited:
Seru, Maikeli. "Results." Swamp Plan on Hold. Fiji Sun Newspaper, 19 Nov. 2012. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.fijisun.com.fj/2012/11/19/swamp-plan-on-hold/>.

Eco-Tourism

Where do tourists go in Fiji?

Fiji has untapped potential for development that could have enormous economic benefits, but deadly environmental costs if not done sustainably.  Tourism must be developed at a rate that both the Fijian people nd the environment can take.  the Fijian governernment should not take advantage of their natural environment, and they must not be taken advantage of by foreign investors.  There must be a balance between development and the environment and between foreign investors and the local Fijian population.  The good news is that Fiji has not been extensively developed and is at a crossroads where it can determine its future.  

Construction and development should be eco-friendly.  Furthermore, design should be traditional and local craftsmanship employed; development should not turn Fiji into a plethora of giant resorts.  

       Developers should not be excused to build if they promise to replant mangroves.  As the table on the right shows, the older the tree, the more photosynthesis occurs.  Furthermore, young trees do not have as much bio-diversity as the old trees. A common restoration project in Fiji is afforestation, when mangrove forests are planted in areas where they did not originally grow in.  Furthermore, while many new mangroves are being planted, trees disappear faster than they are planted.    

Development should be encouraged on a local level to keep money within the locals.  Right now, 60% of the money created by tourism leaves the country.

      Structure is needed to enforce the above discussed guidelines.  Fiji has many old laws protecting mangroves, but they are not strictly enforced.

Eco-friendly tourist activities that do not threaten the environment but instead embraces it.  For example, kayaking instead of motor boats provides an alternative way of promoting Fijian tourism that also benefits the environment. If such kayaking tours also tie in a message of sustainability within each tour, and make it known that their tour is taking action to promote Eco-tourism, I believe that travelers will become more conscious of the potential hurt that tourism has placed on environments around Fiji for decades.

Works Cited:
Alongi, Daniel M. "Present State and Future of the World's Mangrove Forests."Environmental Conservation 29.03 (2002): n. pag. Print.
Levett, Roger, and Richard McNally. A Strategic Environmental Assessment of Fiji’s Tourism Development Plan. Rep. N.p.: n.p., 2003. Print.
Van Lavieren, H., Spalding, M., Alongi, D., Kainuma, M., Clüsener-Godt, M., and Adeel, Z. 2012. Securing the Future of Mangroves. A Policy Brief. UNU-INWEH, UNESCO-MAB with ISME, ITTO, FAO, UNEP-WCMC and TNC. 53 pp.

Table Citations:
http://cmbc.ucsd.edu/content/1/docs/alongi%202002.pdf

MANGROVES UNDER ATTACK BY CLIMATE CHANGE

Mangroves are a valuable ally in preventing and fighting climate change.  By destroying them, we are not only taking away a defense but also contributing to the consequences of climate change.  The impact of climate changes will continue to be felt by the mangroves.  Sea-levels will rise, temperatures will increase, more carbon dioxide will be emitted into the air, storms will become more common, and perception patterns will change.  

In the next 100 years, the world is expected to warm up between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius.  Species’ home is partly dependent on temperature, so a change in temperature will allow some animals to live in new places.  A change in temperature means a change in soil composition, more photosynthesis, biomass diversity, and general growth and reproduction.  However, the accumulation of sediment, which the mangroves live on, will decrease.  If the mangroves loose their “footing,” they are in danger of collapsing into the water.  Furthermore, temperature change changes the salinity of the water, which is dangerous because if it gets too salty, it will kill the mangroves.  

A dying mangrove forest

Carbon dioxide levels are also expected to increase, and is likely to also change the rates of photosynthesis and salinity. One third of the carbon dioxide released ends up in the ocean, making the pH of the ocean increasingly acidic, which will attack the marine ecosystem.  

Perception will become drastically uneven, switching between long periods of immense rainfall and drought, not leaving the mangroves with enough time to adapt.  Furthermore, storms will become more intense, uprooting and defoliating the mangroves.  These storms will also become more frequent, also not leaving the mangroves enough time to recover.  

The mangroves are complete under attack from every direction, endangering their future.  The mangroves are projected to diminish between 1 and 2% annually.  The threats outlined in this blog post cannot be directly addressed and will only go away when global warming is brought to a halt.  

Works Cited:

Eric L. Gilman, Joanna Ellison, Norman C. Duke, Colin Field, Threats to mangroves from climate change and adaptation options: A review, Aquatic Botany, Volume 89, Issue 2, August 2008, Pages 237-250, ISSN 0304-3770, 10.1016/j.aquabot.2007.12.009.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030437700800003X).

Van Lavieren, H., Spalding, M., Alongi, D., Kainuma, M., Clüsener-Godt, M., and Adeel, Z. 2012. Securing the Future of Mangroves. A Policy Brief. UNU-INWEH, UNESCO-MAB with ISME, ITTO, FAO, UNEP-WCMC and TNC. 53 pp.

Picture Citation:

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1145/650939365_1f80410d53_z.jpg

Proposed Plan: Sell the Air  

The government not only has title to land and sea but also to the air.  They should set up carbon credits, which means they sell rights to pollute the air.  This will enable to the government to cap and control air pollution.  It will also force developers to look at how much they pollute the air, because they need to know how many credits to buy, and re-evaluate this figure, because they are always in favor of costs.  Did you know that preventing and/or reducing deforestation has the most direct and powerful impact on reversing the carbon dioxide in the air?  Too much carbon dioxide emission in the air has lead to climate change, which has drastically negative consequences on the mangroves. 

Mangroves are among the ecosystem that sequester
the most amounts of carbon 

Furthermore, the Fijian government could use the money from the credits to help fund projects protecting and restoring the mangroves.  The mangroves help create clean air, so it is only fair to give back to them.  In both the past in present, Fiji has not been able to implant projects due to lack of funding.  This proposed plan could raise enough money.  Furthermore, Fiji has a lot of untapped potential for tourism and further development.  It is imperative that Fiji approaches its future sustainably in order to preserve its natural environment which it is so dependent on.  

This proposal is largely inspired by the Livelihood Fund.  They have five different projects currently in place, two in India, one in Indonesia, one more in the DRC, and another one in Senegal.  They sell carbon rights and use the money to help improve environmental situations in their respective communities.  This fund is successful largely due to investors.  In just one year, they have positively impacted more than 300,000 people, offset more than 7 million carbon, and restored more than 35,000 hectares.  They have also planted more than 14,000 hectares of mangroves.  This project demonstrates the great potential of carbon investing.  

The table on the left shows that out of all of the eco-systems, mangroves have the highest potential carbon value.  Investing in mangrove carbon is very promising. 













Works Cited:
Bishop, Joshua and Jean-Pierre Rennaud. Wetland and Coastal Carbon: Developing New Asset Classes. IUCN and Danone.

"Livelihoods." Livelihoods Fund. Livelihoods Fund, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.livelihoods.eu/livelihoods-fund.html>.

"Carbon Investment." Carboninvestmentsorg. Carbon Investment, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://carboninvestments.org/>.
Table citations:

http://wetcarbon.earthmind.net/files/IUCN-and-Danone-May-2011-Coastal-and-mangrove-carbon-FINAL.pdf

Sinking and Shrinking Mangroves

       One of the consequences of global warming is rising sea-levels, which will have negatively and will continue to negatively impact the mangroves.  Mangroves exist on the shoreline between the average sea level and the average high tides.  So, rising sea-levels could push mangroves inward.  

Lonely Mangrove

However, if the rate of the sea-level rising is more than the rate of sedimentation, many mangroves will not be able to take the stress and will die.  History has shown that under such conditions, mangroves grow individually. 

       Ocean levels have risen 15cm this past century, and it is estimated that they will continue to rise between 15 and 95 cm by 2100.  Higher sea-levels cause floods, which in turn cause saltwater to flood into fresh water, a drastic change for such an eco-system.  Mangroves will die if the water is too high or too salty.  

        These changes will be too sudden for mangroves to adapt to, and those able to adapt will outcompete the others, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

Flooded Mangrove Forest

       Even if restoration projects are implanted,  sea-levels cannot be controlled isolated, because they are dependent on temperature rising, which is a global problem.  Furthermore, temperatures are expected to rise between 1 and 3.5 degrees Celsius by 2100.  How drastically they rise will determine the severity of the damage rising sea-levels will inflict on the mangroves in Fiji.

       Since Fiji is made up of small islands, if the islands enclose there will be little land left.  As one native said, "we will have nowhere to go."  Recent research in the past two years sets a brim forecast for the Fijian mangroves, suggesting that the mangroves will diminish between 5 and 20%---and this is just from rising sea-levels, one of the many influences on mangroves.

Works Cited:
Noye, John, and Marcus Grzechnik. Sea-level Changes and Their Effects. Singapore: World Scientific, 2001. Print.

Ellison, JC (2010) Vulnerability of Fiji's mangroves and associated coral reefs to climate change. A        Review. In: Global Conservation Organisation National Stakeholders Meeting , 19 March 2009, Suva  Fiji. Other. World Wildlife Fund South Pacific Programme.

Picture Citations:
http://www.ecologyasia.com/images-pqr/pandan-mangroves_8452.jphttp://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/277045/277045,1276342155,1/stock-photo-  lonely-mangrove-tree-55037563.jpg

The Future can Only Begin in 2050.  

       The root of the stress mangroves are under comes from humans demand for resources.  Traditional cultivation of the mangroves was ecologically friendly because it was in moderation and natives were dependent on the mangroves for continual survival.  Today, however, mangroves provide a different kind of resource.  Mangroves are no longer used for mundane necessities.  People are taking advantage of the richness of mangroves in a new way, economically which has led to overfishing, over felling of the trees, and rapid development.  Mangroves across the world are disappearing at a rate between 1 and 2% a year. 

       The greatest hope for the mangroves is a declining rate of population.  Fewer people means less of a demand for resources, which will positively effect mangroves both directly and indirectly.  

      Restoration projects can only do so much.  Trees die faster than they are planted, and new mangrove forests do not have as great of a biomass diversity.  Mangroves are under attack not only from humans directly eliminating them but also global climate changes, which cannot be directly targeted.  However, when we lessen our demand for resources, we will put less stress on our environment.  In turn, the effects of global warming will not be as drastic as they are today and the mangroves can begin to fully recover and begin to return to their natural state.

      This theory leads to the conclusion that mangroves will continue as is for the next 13 years.  Hopefully, by 2025, when the population rate has declined, reverse changes will occur.

Works Cited:

Alongi, Daniel M. "Present State and Future of the World's Mangrove Forests."Environmental Conservation 29.03 (2002): 311-49. Print.

Polidoro BA, Carpenter KE, Collins L, Duke NC, Ellison AM, et al. (2010) The Loss of Species: Mangrove Extinction Risk and Geographic Areas of Global Concern. PLoS ONE 5(4): e10095. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010095

"Coral Habitats - Coastal/Marine - Photo (JPG) - IAN Image and Video Library - Free High Resolution and Vector Environmental Science Images." Coral Habitats - Coastal/Marine - Photo (JPG) - IAN Image and Video Library - Free High Resolution and Vector Environmental Science Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://ian.umces.edu/imagelibrary/displayimage-7589.html>.

"Fiji Vacations by Destination World." Fiji Vacations by Destination World. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.destinationworld.com/fiji/>.

Fiji’s Bold Plans for the Future

       Fiji has a goal to protect 30% of its marine areas, which include mangroves, by 2020.  They plan to do so by creating marine protected areas, or MPAs.  This work is highly local but in cooperation with many environmentally focused groups, such as WWF, and the government.   It is effective for reform to be local and traditional, because it is familiar with the natives, making them more inspired and likely to help out. 

       Being backed by the government and environment groups lends financial suport, structure, and guidance.  This project was started by the Fijian government in January 2005 in reaction to NBSAP recommendations, and once it is completed it will be the largest marine network!  

       They are doing so with a network of “tabus,” a traditional method which simply prohibits fishing on a reef and is protected by the village.  Protecting the reefs is synonymous with protecting the mangroves.  Tabus are complimented by work in education of the marine areas and how people can be sustainable.  

       This project has proven to be successful.  In just 3 years, fish harvesting has tripled and local income has increased by 35%.  Fishing improves in just one year; fish are of better quality and can become larger as the area becomes more fertile.  Furthermore, rare species are making appearances!  This project proves common belief that preservation hurts the economy false, which is important because it gives people even more incentive to be ecologically friendly, especially for investors with big development dreams.  

       So far there are 177 MPAs, and the project is growing.  Other countries have even recognized its success and have adopted similar projects.  Fiji is moving in the right direction.  This project is successful not only in its results but in establishing cooperation and activism between the people, the government, and outside groups.  

Works Cited:

"Microdocs: The Marine Protected Area." Microdocs: The Marine Protected Area. Stanford University, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.stanford.edu/group/microdocs/marineprotect.html>.

Mills M, Jupiter S, Adams V, Ban N, Pressey B (2011) Can management actions within the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network serve to meet Fiji's national goal to protect 30% of inshore marine areas by 2020? Wildlife Conservation Society and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Suva, Fiji, 16 pp.

Picture Citation:

http://awsassets.panda.org/img/coralreef_fiji_105788_349597.jpg

Traditional Use of Mangroves: the Gift that Keeps on Giving

Charcoal from mangroves

      Mangroves not only support a huge ecosystem but also humans life.  Mangroves are traditionally used to make tapa dye, fishing gear, and medicine.  The bark of the trees provides a pigment brown dye while its sap provides a pigment black dye.  The red flowers are used to make leis, honey, and fish poision.  Each type of mangrove species had its unique role.  The prop roots of Rhizophora were used in light construction, for example making fishing traps.  The Lumnitzera, on the other hand, is more durable and resistant to marine borers, so it was used in heavier construction.  Seeds are used as a remedy for a variety of problems such as sore mouth, asthma, backache, constipation, kidney stones, and headaches.  They are also crushed to make wine, vinegar, and cooking oil.  Mangrove’s wood burns at high temperature, because it has a high calorific value.  The wood is also popular for its heavy charcoal with its pungent smell.  The charcoal is not only used in barbecuing but also metal production.  Natives make tea and tobacco out of the leaves.  Mangrove extracts can be made into soap and synthetic fibers.  

       

      We are still finding more magic in the Mangroves.  Researchers are developing on working theories that the mangroves’ toxins repel insects.  Furthermore, a scientist has suggested that the extract from the mangrove cancer can be used as a cure for throat cancer.  Again and again, we see that mangroves have many physical parts to them with a diverse range of applications.   

Works Cited:

Bandaranayake, Wickramasinghe M. Economic, Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Mangroves. Townsville, Qld.: Australian Institute of Marine Science, 1999. Print.

"Uses for Mangroves." Uses for Mangroves. Florida Department of Plant Industry, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.beachbeans.com/mangrove/mangrove_uses.html>.

Picture Citations:

http://www.charcoalmarket.com/images/Mangrove-Charcoal-Grade-A1.jpg

http://awsassets.panda.org/img/file0213_1_404337.jpg

Mangrove Management

Over the past years, there has been an increase in environmental consciousness within the Fijian government, most likely out of necessity. In such a vulnerable low lying area of the south Pacific, Fijians are threatened by rising sea levels and destruction of their coastlines.

 

            The Department of the Environment has introduced two progressive pieces of legislation addressing mangroves: The Fiji Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (BSAP) and the Sustainability bill. Both plans “commit Fiji to the protection and conservation of a variety of life forms, plants, animals, micro-organisms, genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form.” (Agrawala pg. 37). So far, the Fijian government has passed no official legislation, however these proposals show that we are on our way toward some type of action.

            Local Fijian villages have relative autonomy over their land and water resources and have maintained healthy mangrove ecosystems for thousands of years. The subsistence economy of these local villages has proved sustainable over the years, but is now being tested by increases in commercial activities in surrounding areas. More and more, native Fijians are pressured to give up resources to large timber companies and developers due to the large sums of money offered to them. A lack of organization within tribal councils has been alleviated by a variety of non- governmental organizations such as OISCA, who steps in to promote restoration projects and other endeavors. Another program, Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas Network has nine project sites on Fiji and works with local villagers to set ocean resource use levels. In addition, these organizations promote sustainability education to largely uneducated villagers within local communities.

            Through a combination of governmental action and local village cooperation, the future prospects of Fijian mangroves look promising.

_______________________________________________________

Agrawala, Shardul, et al. "Development and Climate Change in Fiji: Focus on coastal mangroves." Environment Directorate and Development Cooperation Directorate, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Paris (2003).

 Photo Citations:

"Tiempo Climate Newswatch." , Community Adaptation in a Small Island Developing Country. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.tiempocyberclimate.org/newswatch/feature100723.htm>.

"OISCA Fiji Chilidren's Forest Prgram "Biodiversity2010" | The Green Wave." OISCA Fiji Chilidren's Forest Prgram "Biodiversity2010" | The Green Wave. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://greenwave.cbd.int/node/7510>.

The Mangroves’ Biggest Sweat

Climate change over the next decades has been brought to attention as one the greatest threats to the Fijian mangrove ecosystem. In 1999, Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment for Fiji made several projections that I would like to highlight.

           

            1. Temperatures are expected to increase 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2025, and 1.6        degrees Celsius by 2100.

            2.  Sea level is projected to increase by 10.5 cm by 2025 and 49.9 cm by 2100.

           

            3. Precipitation changes of high magnitudes are predicted, but the direction of the   change is uncertain.

            Because the mangrove tree sits in a vulnerable coastline environment, these three threats are alarming. If the projection regarding sea level rise is in fact accurate, then it is most likely that the mangrove tree populations will begin to retreat inward toward the shore. Case studies in India and Bangladesh have shown that mangroves can handle changes in sea level for the most part. As long as the rates of sea level rise are not too dramatic, the mangrove trees should be able to make the adjustment inland.

            Another aspect of the survival of the mangrove ecosystem is dependent on how coral reefs adapt to increases in ocean temperatures. Projected temperature increases may lead to even more coral bleaching than has already occurred in Fiji. When large amount of coral reefs die off, mangrove trees also suffer because the reefs serve as a protective barrier to the coastal trees. Basically, mangroves depend on coral reefs for protection and biodiversity while the reefs depend on the mangroves for water filtration and for the breeding of tropical fish and organisms within the root systems.

            As we have seen in recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, climate change is becoming a reality that must be dealt with. At the moment, there is no legislation that directly addresses mangrove forest populations within Fiji, however we should expect the Fijian government to take action, along with outside organizations such as OISCA in coming years.

_________________________________________________________

Ellison, J.C. 2004. Vulnerability of Fiji’s mangroves and associated coral reefs to climate   change. Review for the World Wildlife Fund. Launceston, Australia:University of Tasmania.

McLeod, Elizabeth, and Rodney V. Salm. Managing mangroves for resilience to climate change. World Conservation Union (IUCN), 2006.

Agrawala, Shardul, et al. "Development and Climate Change in Fiji: Focus on coastal mangroves." Environment Directorate and Development Cooperation Directorate, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Paris (2003).

Photo Citations:

"Coral Reefs: Adaptation or Extinction? » Coral Bleaching." Coral Reefs: Adaptation or Extinction? » Coral Bleaching. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://sites.duke.edu/biology217_01_s2011_pv24/how-does-rising-temperature-affect-coral-communities/global-threats/coral-bleaching/>.

"BP Gulf Oil Spill." NewsTimes. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.newstimes.com/national/slideshow/BP-Gulf-oil-spill-618.php>.

This Tree Can Take Anything!

            When most people think of trees, they envision a mountainside of pine trees or a plethora of deciduous trees changing colors during the holiday season. The Mangrove tree is unique in that it grows in shallow saltwater and its roots tolerate oxygen deficient soils. The key to survival are the tree’s special root called pneumatophores that have adapted to grow out of the soil and absorb oxygen from the earth’s atmosphere.

 

            Pneumatophores, also called “breathing roots” have a spongy surface with special air channels that are the site for gas exchange. Within the root, there is an internal pathway in which oxygen gas travels down to the roots of the mangrove.

            There are three main mangrove species in Fiji: white mangroves, black mangroves and red mangroves. Red mangroves have elliptical leaves and prop roots that grow downward from its branches. White mangrove leaves are round and greenish- yellow in color. Finally, the leaf of the black mangrove is the narrowest of the three and has small hairs on the underside of the leaf. Black mangroves have the breathing root systems that sprout out of the ground, mentioned above. The most important difference between these species is how the root system is arranged. Red mangroves have roots that grow downward from the branches, black mangroves have pneumatophores, and white mangrove may have either type, based on the surrounding environmental conditions.

           Human uses of mangrove wood are vast. Scientists have learned to derive a variety of medicines from the tree that are useful for skin disorders, sores, headaches, rheumatism, snake bites, boils, ulcers, diarrhea, and hemorrhages. Perhaps the mangrove’s ability to survive in harsh surrounding equates to medicinal uses for humans who are also suffering from intense illness and suffering.

  

by: Max McGee

 _______________________________________________________

"Mangrove/Wetland Ecosystems." MES Fiji RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://mesfiji.org/resources/environment/mangrovewetland-ecosystems>.

"TYPES OF ROOTS." Types of Roots. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/generalbotany/typesofroots/>.

Picture Citations:

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"Patana Gateway." Bangkok Patana School. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.patana.ac.th/students/viewGallery.asp?hGalleryID=175>.

 "Www.seabean.com - A Sea-Bean Guide: Red Mangrove (Rhizophora Mangle)." Seabean RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.seabean.com/guide/Rhizophora_mangle/>.

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Take Action! Long Live the Tangled-root Trees

            Now that significance of the Fijian mangrove forest ecosystem is recognized, the natural question becomes how do we take action to conserve our tree brothers. The islands of Fiji demand action by environmentally conscious individuals who have the power to create legislation and a plan of action to restore and protect the mangroves.

            The monitoring and management of mangrove forests requires teams of experts who must orchestrate cooperation amongst village leaders, and carry out projects on target sites. In Fiji, all water below the mean high water level belongs to the British crown although many of the resources within that area are delegated to the local Fijian people. Before action is taken, all mangrove development decisions are made by the Lands Department.

            The process of developing a mangrove region for other uses currently entails:

1. A developer submits a proposal to the Lands Department

2. Lands then invites comment from other government ministries and departments

3. An arbitration process is commenced to assess a recompense sum for loss of the mangrove and services                                                                         ("Fiji Starts Environment Project")

4. Public comments are sought

5. A final determination is made and a foreshore development lease may be granted.

(Agrawala pg. 37)

            Within Fiji, I think that one mechanism for real action also can come through Non- governmental organizations such as the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA). This group of activists partnered up with groups of local villagers to create mangrove-replanting projects in areas where forests had been destroyed. There are many areas of replanting that require expert consultation, so the University of the Pacific in the capital of Suva should continue to develop its environmental science programs in order to create professionals within the Fijian demographic who will be motivated to protect their own local environment.

            I visited the region, called Sigatoka, where some of these projects are underway and noticed young trees coming up out of the shallow sandy waterbeds. In Fiji, everything still seems very third- world, therefore, an environmental protection project must be managed from an outside source that knows what they are doing. In other words, operating in Fiji can be a bit more lawless and unregulated than say the United States. Fiji is an ideal place to educate small local village populations about the importance of the mangrove forest environment, in order to discourage further destruction.

 ______________________________________________________________

Agrawala, Shardul, et al. "Development and Climate Change in Fiji: Focus on coastal mangroves." Environment Directorate and Development Cooperation Directorate, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Paris (2003).

"Fiji Starts Environment Project." World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts -. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://asia.wagggsworld.org/en/news/20008>.

Traditional Use of Mangroves: the Gift that Keeps on Giving

(not done)

Mangroves not only support a huge ecosystem but also humans life.  

Mangroves are traditionally used to make tapa dye, fishing gear, and medicine.  The bark of the trees provides a pigment brown dye while its sap provides a pigment black dye.  The red flowers are used to make leis, honey, and fish poision.  Each type of mangrove species had its unique role.  The prop roots of Rhizophora were used in light construction, for example making fishing traps.  Its seeds are a remedy for a variety of problems such as sore mouth, asthma, backache, constipation, kidney stones, and headaches.  They can also be crushed to make wine, vinegar, and cooking oil.    

The Lumnitzera, on the other hand, is more durable and resistant to marine borers, so it was used in heavier construction.  

Natives made tea and tobacco out of the leaves.   

We are still finding more magic in the Mangroves.  

Rhizophora seedlings as food in times of famine, to cure sore mouth, to produce fuel, tannin and dye and wine having an aphrodisiac effect when ingested and of their use as philters in Arabia.  Researchers are developing on working theories that the mangroves’ toxins repel insects.  We are still learning about mangroves and what they can give us.  

The ash of the red mangrove is used as a soap substitute and other mangrove extracts are used to produce synthetic fibers, such as rayon, and cosmetics.

What’s so special about the timber of Mangrove wood?

Mangrove’s wood burns at high temperature, because it has a high calorific value.  

The wood is also sought after because it produces heavy charcoal which is famous for its pungent smell.  The characoal is not only used in barbequing but also metal production.   

Over and over we see that it has a diverse ____ with diverse applications.  

Man vs. Mangrove

Unlike most other organisms, humans do not exist within their environment without inflicting some form of damage to their surroundings. Fiji is no exception, however, indigenous Fijians have historically lived in unison with the mangrove forests until recent increases in development.

Humans pose many threats to the long-term sustainability of the Fijian mangrove ecosystem. Fiji is a net exporter of a variety of wood products; mangrove wood is highly valued for its durability and hardness. In recent years, timber companies such as Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited, an employer of around one hundred Fijians, have cut mangrove forests along the southern coast of the Fijian mainland island Viti Levu.

 (InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa)

Mangroves are often reclaimed and turned into agricultural areas or developed for urban expansion. Sugarcane is grown in many parts of Fiji because the islands receive subsidies from the EU for sugar production. Agriculture activity in inland areas trickle down to negatively effect the mangrove forests. As sediment is uprooted and mixed into local waterways, sediment alters the hydrological regime of mangrove populations. The trees are evolutionary designed to fulfill their ecological role without the interference of sediment interference in their waters. In the Malaysian peninsula, shrimp farming within mangrove beds has been one of the main sources of destruction of the natural environment, however it is noteworthy to mention that shrimp production is not nearly such an issue in Fiji.              (Agrawala pg. 39)

 

As the tourism industry in Fiji booms, developers have come face to face with mangroves, and the decision usually favors the money. When I traveled to Fiji in the summer of 2011, I stayed at a large coastal resort called the Intercontinental. As I walked down the coastline surrounding the 5 star resort, I eventually came across mangroves growing in shallow water along the beach. Off shore of the mangrove trees, I could walk about two miles into the ocean on top of knee-deep coral reef. The reefs served as a barrier for the mangrove colony, and the trees  provided the ecological services necessary to clean sediment out of runoff, and serve as breeding grounds for tropical reef fish. I imagine that the construction of my luxurious resort resulted in the deaths of multiple mangrove trees.

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Agrawala, Shardul, et al. "Development and Climate Change in Fiji: Focus on coastal mangroves." Environment Directorate and Development Cooperation Directorate, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Paris (2003).

"InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa - Natadola, Coral Coast, Fiji." InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Nadi : Five Star Alliance. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. <http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/nadi/intercontinental-fiji-golf-resort-and-spa/gallery/show>.

An Old Tree with New Roots

Most folks  would agree that with age, comes wisdom. Likewise in nature, a long history of ecological success and adaptations leads an organism to prosper and serve a significant function in its environment. Our beloved mangrove tree is believed to have made its first appearances on this planet nearly 80 million years ago. To put things into perspective, the homo-sapien comes to the table with only around 2,000 years of experience as a species.

Upon the breakup of Pangaea, the first continent of the planet, nearly 60 million years ago, coastlines began to form and create suitable environment for the development of mangrove species. Scientists still debate whether the mangroves originated in the Malaysian Peninsula, or Northern Australia. Regardless, these trees reached the Fijian islands through ocean currents many years ago. Mangroves grow strictly between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer in shallow coastal waters protect by vast outer reefs.

Ancient peoples shared a mutual relationship of respect with the mangrove trees, similarly to modern people such as the native Fijians. The Fijian demographic is split between indigenous Fijians and people of Indian descent, brought over by the British for labor during the colonial period. According to ancient Indian war legend, a village with inferior soldiers tricked their large enemy counterparts by lighting the roots of the mangrove tree on fire. This creative idea tricked the superior army into believing that a giant flotilla was charging toward them, resulting in an end of the conflict. This example illustrates a creative use of the trees by their human counterparts.

                                              (Photo by Francis Maglia)

The mangrove tree has played a key role in the spread and conservation of biodiversity for many years, much before any human could fathom. I believe that just as we show our grandparents and elderly folk respect, the same must apply to our mangrove trees. If we seriously put effort into cutting back on mangrove ecosystem destruction, I know that our wise tree grandparents will surely guarantee prosperity and natural services for years to come.

By: Max McGee

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Kathiresan, K. "3. Mangrove Ecosystems 3.1. Distribution of Mangroves."

"Delightful Departures from the Everyday Grind." : July 2010. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://delightfuldepartures.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html>.

"Photo : Mangrove in Labasa, Fiji." AllTravels.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.alltravels.com/fiji/all-regions/labasa/photos/current-photo-65466810>.