Co-management of coastal resources in Fiji (Part 2)

―MPA, coral reef conservation and eco-tourism―

Abstract

Coral reef eco-system sustains reef fisheries. However, conflicts between the eco-system conservation and the fisheries development would spread. This paper considers the conflicts through the cases of MPAs, coral reef conservation and eco-tourism in Fiji and Okinawa. When deciding the size of MPAs, we need to balance conserving bio-diversity and ensuring enough fishing grounds. While obtaining quantitative spill-over effects through scientific research, we should start participatory adaptive management to decide the size of MPAs. For the restoration of the damaged coral reefs, conservation may come first and anthropogenic disturbances to the coral reefs should be eliminated as much as possible. The co-existence of human and coral reefs, however, is also another important goal for the Asia-Pacific people. Eco-tourism in Fiji needs to be within the carrying capacity and have minimized impacts on fishing and food culture in the villages.