Fiji Caqalai Hub Achievement Report

February 2016

Building community relationships in Moturiki

GVI Fijis Caqalai team consisting of both volunteers and staff have continued to work hard this
month whilst building our community relationships stronger within the Moturiki district.
Moturiki is one of Caqalais closest neighbouring islands, less than 10 minutes by boat. This makes
Moturiki island and the communities that call it home perfectly placed as a community partner for
Caqalai island and our various outreach initiatives. Furthermore, their remoteness from other larger
islands often means they are much slower to receive the aid and support that is available on the
main islands making our impact and presence there all the more valuable.

Figure 1: GVI Volunteers building relations within Nuibasaga around the Kava bowl

Moturiki is an island green and lush with hilly vegetation, abundant birdlife in its skies, and many
species of insects under rotting leaves. The month of February in a Fijian calendar is a month of
offering, where the first yields from farms are harvested and the first catch from new fishing
methods are offered to the chiefs - so that the land and sea are blessed. As such, it seemed that
February was the perfect month to solidify our relationship with Moturiki Methodist church and
greater Moturiki community as a key partner in our operations from idyllic Caqalai island. Constantly
ensuring the involvement of local community organisations in our decision making processes
demonstrates our commitment to grassroots development, and also highlights the importance of
transparency, one of GVI Fijis core principles when working amongst local communities.

Investigating alternative livelihoods relieves mounting pressure on natural resources, and for smaller
islands like Moturiki, this is a must in the pursuit of sustainable livelihoods. In pursuit of this, the GVI
team is looking forward to expanding the survey techniques, methods and skills being applied at
Caqalia to some of the local fishing grounds. This will ultimately help to inform decisions on creating
a better understanding of areas which are particularly important for marine resources, with the
ultimate goal of creating new, locally managed protected areas. GVI has also been investigating how
we can create mutually beneficial relationships with the Moturiki villages for example helping to
set up community farms which in turn, provides fresh produce for GVI operations and neighbouring
resorts

Figure 2: GVI Volunteers building relations at a Moturiki Community Farm

Plans to discuss GVIs community relationships in Fiji

further with the Mata-ni Tikina Moturiki (District
Representative) addressing capacity building within the
region have been put on hold for now following the
extensive destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston
to the Lomaiviti group. Instead, the team sprung into
action, working within the community and assisting
villages wherever possible after the devastation.

The many hours spent working with communities and key

stakeholders throughout February was just a starting
point in addressing GVI objectives through awareness,
impact and empowerment in Fiji. The Caqalai team is
looking forward to progressing with its community
programme, making sustainable contributions to the
future of the region and the communities living in
Moturiki.
Figure 3: GVI Volunteers assisting local villagers clear up after
TC Winston.