The Fiji Environmental Law Association in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific - Institute of Applied Science (team) conducted a 3 day Fisheries Workshop at Vitawa Village in Rakiraki under the Ra Integrated Coastal Management Project.



 

The University of the South Pacific—Institute of Applied Science (IAS) Team led by Mr Apisai were in Rakiraki undergoing a Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. The Environmental Law Association were invited to participate in the mangrove planting following the first day of the Fisheries Training Workshop in Vitawa Village, Rakiraki.

The IAS project team planted over two thousand mangrove seedlings in Narewa Village and continues to rehabilitate mangroves throughout the area.

 

FISHERIES WORKSHOP VITAWA—RA INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT

 

 

FELA launched its first publication of the Turtle Enforcement Toolkit titled, “Saving Sea Turtles: A Guide for Law Enforcement" on the 28th of August at the Holiday Inn, Suva.

The Turtle Enforcement Toolkit is designed to  improve enforcement of Turtle breaches in Fiji. Designed to give its readers a simple and clear outline of the laws in place regarding sea turtles, the enforcement authorities protecting the species and tips for enforcement authorities with regards to dealing with infringements. The Enforcement Guide introduces its readers to 2 main domestic laws in Fiji protecting turtles and identifies all the criminal offences, provides tips for investigation, defines roles of enforcement officers and their responsibilities.  

This exciting event was well attended by members of the Department of Fisheries, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Representative of the DPP members of various NGOs and members of the Public.

The Turtle Enforcement Toolkit is currently being translated in the iTaukei language .and Copies of the English and iTaukei versions will be  is available for purchase at the USP Book Center and FELA Office shortly.

 

On Friday 4th March, a small team of FELA staff and volunteers travelled to the Ra Provincial Office at Nanukuloa village with food packs and clothing. After a brief visit to the Roko Tui, the team travelled with Conservation Officer for Ra, Ms Miriama Qoro to Drauniivi village to deliver the items. There were many stories of destruction left in the wake of the Cyclone Winston, however from what the team has witnessed; the resolve to rebuild and move on with life is strong. #CyclonWinston #FELA2016

FELA hosted students from the Miami University under the Tamarillo Active Travel 's International Study Program.

Representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Ra Provincial Council, Police, Yaubula Committee Groups, Women's and Youth Groups, (Youth) and Fish Wardens attended the workshop that was designed (to help read and understand the Fisheries Act 1942, Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002 and their regulations to improve enforcement. ) to foster better understanding of Fiji's Fisheries laws and regulations in order to improve its enforcement.

The 3 day workshop entailed interactive presentations (by the Department of Fisheries and FELA, presentations by the participants of various groups and )that included participant role plays on various scenarios of Fisheries enforcement.(Enforcing the law in the event of an infringement and the roles and powers of the various enforcement authorities)

FELA WELCOME legal intern from the university of new brunswick, canada

FELA disaster assistance to ra

FELA BOOK LAUNCH: SAVING SEA TURTLES-A GUIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT

 

FELA HOSTS STUDENTS FROM MIAMI UNIVERSITY

MANGROVE REHABILITATION PROGRAM WITH USP—IAS

 

Visit the FELA Facebook page for more pictures

FELA Members site visit 2014

TAKALANA DOLPHIN WATCH

As a part of FELA's objective to improve member participation and engagement through social, participatory and engaging activities, a site visit was organized for the 3rd of May, 2014 to Takalana Bay Retreat for interested FELA members, family and friends. 

Situated at Dawasamu beyond Korovou town(Tailevu), this eco- tourism venture sits on a hill overlooking a scenic bay. Dawasamu is famous for its reef Makalati, also called moon reef in English that is home to a resident pod of Spinner Dolphins. There are also 5 district level Marine Protected Areas including Moon Reef and a Forest Reserve. 

Guests were treated to fun filled and educational activities which included morning tea upon arrival,dolphin watching, snorkeling, lovo lunch, light entertainment, trekking, waterfalls and afternoon tea. FELA would like to thank the manager Josefa Bau (Jay) and the staff of Takalana Bay Retreat for hosting us as well as to all FELA members who participated. 

The Site Visit was documented by Fiji TV.

Fiji Environmental Law Association

Promoting Sustainable Resource Management and the Protection of Fiji's Environment Through Law