1. 17/11/2011 21:06Fiji Times Online
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Villagers adapt to modern trend
Sera Whippy (Wednesday, July 06, 2011)
In their desire to move with modern developments many villagers in Yasawa have lost the knowledge of
utilising the environment for their survival.
These were the sentiments shared by NGO Partners in Community Development officers who facilitated a
workshop with representatives of the Fisheries Department on Waya island.
PCDF communications officer Alexandra Schiffmann said the knowledge was in critical need of revival to
ensure the protection of the land and its natural resources.
"As indigenous communities have become increasingly reliant on the tourism sector as a primary source of
income, traditional knowledge of the environment and resources has been eroded," she said.
Ms Schiffman said as Fiji's prime tourist destination, the Yasawas attracted thousands of visitors every
year.
She said many resorts had established mutually beneficial relationships with neighbouring communities,
however, these relationships had also introduced Western lifestyles and consumer values, which had
threated traditional knowledge and practices.
"The presence of experienced persons representing the fisheries sector was also vital to the success of the
workshop and a practical demonstration taught participants about fish handling and processing.
"The fisheries facilitators showed participants the optimal temperature of fish before and after storage and
illustrated the importance of storing fish in brine solution to preserve its freshness.
PCDF has 26 communities involved in their Natural Resource Management programs across Fiji.
Copyright © 2011, Fiji Times Limited. All Rights Reserved.