Ovalau, Fiji Islands

Collaborative Resource Use Planning and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fiji

Location of the 3D model on Ovalau IslandVillagers contributing data to the blank 1:10,000-scale 3D model of Ovalau Island.1:10,000 scale model of Ovalau Island, Lomaiviti Province, Fiji Islands, (April 2005).

The model (52,800 ha or 528 km2) includes terrestrial and coastal ecosystems and will be used by the local communities for developing resource management, tangible and intangible cultural heritage preservation and development plans.

Depicted data reflect the mental maps of 96 men and women from the villages of Levuka, Vagadaci, Waitovu, Vuma, Toki, Vatukalo, Nauouo, Yarovudi, Taviya, Rukuruku, Draiba, Naikorokoro, Nasinu, Tokou, Natokalau, Lovoni, Nasaumatua, Vuniivisavu, Visoto, Nacobo, Nukutocia, Naiviteitei, Nasaga, Tai, Navuloa, Viro, and Wainaloka

The blank model has been constructed by 30 students and 5 teachers from the Delana Methodist High School and Levuka Public School with the assistance of 15 facilitators/ trainees from the organisations listed below.

pic_294_ovalauovalau_statementIn 2007, two years after the completion of the 3D model, Ovalau islanders achieved quite a lot: they developed an island-wide natural- and cultural resource use management plan which was followed by 3 district management plans. Marine protected areas (known as taboo areas) were established within the fishing grounds of 3 districts comprising 16 villages. Additional taboo areas were set up by 10 villages on a nearby island partially included on the 3D model. On the terrestrial component, residents cleared ceremonial pathways which were overgrown and planted trees.

The Provincial Council reported that building on the existence and use of the 3D model and derived maps, the voice of the community has been more authoritative in negotiation processes. Model making and related follow-up activities have cemented relationships among different districts and sparked an island-wide collective vision for safeguarding biological and cultural diversities.
In July 2007 the visit of UNESCO’s director for World Heritage Sites (WHS) resulted in reconsidering the submission done by the Government of Fiji for the inclusion of Levuka City on the tentative WHS list.

World Summit Award 2007 sealIn November 2007 the P3DM exercise done in Levuka town and covering the entire island of Ovalau was granted the 2007 WSIS World Summit Award in the category e-culture.

On  22 June 2013 by virtue of Decision : 37 COM 8B.25Levuka Historical Port Town was proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS)

In 2015 an impact assessment conducted by CTA, gathered evidence of improved fish catch (number and size) in coastal waters and agricultural production on the island.

Useful readings:

Rupeni S, Rambaldi G, Tuivanuavou S., Makutu A, Tawake A, Lolohea S., Rupeni E., Mangal a. and Aalbersberg b. 2005.Collaborative Spatial Information and Communication Management in the Pacific. Report on the Participatory 3D Modelling & Participatory GIS Exercise held on 4-13 April 2005 on Ovalau Island, Fiji. CTA, FLMMA, WWF, SPC. 76pp

Rambaldi G, Tuivanuavou S., Namata P., Vanualailai P., Rupeni S. And Rupeni E. 2006. Resource Use, Development Planning, and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fiji. PLA 54:28-35, IIED, London, UK

 

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| Ovalau Island P3DM | Background | WSIS World Summit Award 2007 |  Video process documentation |