Qi no tu i baba ni qwali (living down by the river): Impacts of flooding and mining on ecosystems and livelihoods

A vast ocean rich with resources to maintain a sustainable livelihood surround Pacific Island Countries and Territories. In Fiji, coastal are primary source of food, medicine, income other necessities for security. Human-induced climate change places growing pressure on the quality due increased intensity frequency natural disasters like erosion flooding. Anthropogenic activities mining earth minerals further threatens security cumulative environment its resources. This paper discusses compounding impacts in flood-prone community Vanua Votua Ba (Fiji). They currently witness degradation their ( iqoliqoli ). The people have cultural spiritual attachment ecosystem as indigenous custodians. However, they limited ability conserve protect an unfair legal duality national governance structures processes between state We found that central issue mining, governance, people’s vulnerabilities, is Fiji’s Mining Act [Cap 146] associated environmental legislations policies consolidate much authority state. Fiji under review. provides timely case study using Sustainable Livelihood Approach Research Framework, outlining need current future legislation be nuanced sensitive realities local context.