Water conflicts in Fiji Islands : the case study of Matata, Matasivaro, Quaia And Suvavou Village (Lami Area) = Conflitos pela água nas Ilhas Fiji : o caso de estudo de Matata, Matasivaro, Quaia e aldeia de Suvavou (Área de Lami)

• Type: Chapter or Part of a Book
• Date: 2016

Authors

Young, William (Author) Other; Ferreira, Carmen (Author) FLUP

Book

Title: Territórios de água = water territories

Pages: 401-409

ISBN: 978-989-20-6860-2

Publisher: FLUC e CEGOT

Other information

Resumo (PT): A água é um recurso natural considerado o principal motor para todas as atividades sociais e económicas de todas as economias do mundo. No Pacífico Sul, na ilha principal de Viti Levu da República das Ilhas Fiji, a área de Lami é uma das áreas que enfrenta problemas hídricos causadas por fatores antrópicos e intensificados pelas alterações climáticas. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar a natureza e características desses problemas relacionados com a água entre as comunidades de Matata, Matasivaro e Quaia e a vila de Suvavou, em Lami, na ilha Viti Levu, e analisar e discutir se esses problemas poderão conduzir a conflitos pela água no futuro.

Abstract (EN): Water is a resource that is the key driver for any social and economic activities of all economies of the world. In the South Pacific, on the main island of Viti Levu in the Republic of Fiji Islands, Lami area is one such area which faces a dynamic mixture of hydrological problems caused by social and anthropogenic choices, which are further heightened by climate change. Consumption outweighs the natural replenishing rates which lead to scarcity, causing tensions and disagreements on the utilization of water resources. This is further constricted by the limitation to fresh water which is an economic, social, and human rights issue. Results show that there are a lot of water problems present in the study area, and all are interrelated to economic, traditional, social, climatic and environmental changes. When these problems persist conflicts take place and these clashes which take place, are centred on two types of natural resource conflicts: intra micro-micro and micro-macro. The research carried out showed that though conflicts were verbal in nature, this could lead to more violent clashes brought on by the impacts of climate change in the future. To address the current situations which are prevalent in the area, actions to be taken at a national, municipal and community levels. These could help prepare and help organize a more effective approach to attending to water problems faced and address current water conflicts. This research will benefit administrators and stakeholders to develop workable strategies that uphold all rights and responsibilities of dwellers in the study area.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific