Vatu-i-Ra seascape, Fiji

Abstract

The diverse natural resources of the Vatu-i-Ra seascape, and the human communities that rely on them for subsistence and income, face highly uncertain climate change threats. Climate models disagree on future projections of precipitation, El Niño-Southern Oscillation conditions, and tropical cyclone frequency and intensity. Adaptation options therefore focus on increasing the capacity of local communities to adaptively manage natural resources in ways that mutually benefit humans and biodiversity, and that are responsive to changing conditions. Drawing on existing ecosystem-based management principles and programs, governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Fiji are incorporating climate change science into management plans and taking action to increase the resilience of coral reefs and social systems.