Nakau Drawa, Fiji – Plan Vivo
The Nakau Drawa project aims to reduce the vulnerability of local communities by conserving, restoring, and improving forests, while also creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local population.
Background information
The Pacific islands are highly vulnerable to climate change, and their populations are severely affected by floods, soil erosion and saltwater intrusion. These islands are often only a few meters above sea level and are at risk of disappearing if sea levels continue to rise. At the same time, local communities are exposed to extreme weather events such as severe droughts, cyclones and hurricanes.
About the Project
The area where the project operates is threatened by deforestation. The forest is often cleared to make way for pastures or to establish plantations, which has serious consequences. Among other things, deforestation causes increased soil erosion, reduced biodiversity, and faster runoff of rainwater, which causes the soil to dry out and become less fertile. By protecting the forest and improving forest management, these negative effects are reduced while the forest’s ability to sequester carbon dioxide is preserved.
Jeremy Lotawa, Head Forest Ranger, Drawa Village. Photo by Rob Rickman
The Nakau Drawa project began in 2012 when eight matagali—Fijian clans—joined forces to form the Drawa Block Forest Communities Cooperative. The project is part of the Nakau program, which operates on several islands in Oceania with a focus on sustainable forestry and climate action. Today, the project protects over 4,000 hectares of forest and has received several international awards, including the Pacific Community Awardand the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program Awardin 2015, as well as the International Energy Globe Award for Fijiin 2020.
Unique feature
In addition to its important climate impact, this project also generates direct economic benefits for the local community. Revenue from the sale of carbon credits enables local residents to develop alternative sources of income. One concrete example is beekeeping, which is run by villagers and provides a sustainable boost to the local economy. As with all Plan Vivo projects, 60% of the revenue goes directly to the project participants.
The project contributes to the following objectives
