Balancing livelihoods with environmental protection: A case study from Fiji

Pacific Island states – sometimes classified as small island developing states, are among those most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation brought about by development initiatives such as logging, mining, commercial agriculture and tourism. While these may have economic benefits, many Fijians live in rural areas with limited or no opportunity for paid employment and rely on subsistence farming and natural resources for their livelihoods. The importance of the latter – particularly for many women – and increasing pressure on these resources, raise sustainability concerns. If natural resource environments are to be protected, restrictions – some of which are already in place – need to be not only enforced but possibly extended. This could, however, impact negatively on these dependent livelihoods. This article considers this dilemma in the context of two Fijian villages in the district of Ba, where women depend on the mangrove areas, primarily for catching crabs for sale in the local markets, using the money earned to meet basic needs.