In the waters surrounding Fiji, an ancient tradition endures. Indigenous (iTaukei) communities have long established designated both freshwater and marine ecosystems where fishing and harvesting are temporarily forbidden in honor of their deceased. Though historically practiced for cultural and spiritual reasons, these aquatic funerary protected areas (FPAs) have inadvertently contributed to sustainable resource management — yet, they remain largely absent from scientific literature and modern conservation strategies, reports Sonam Lama Hyolmo for Mongabay.
A recent study sheds light on these temporary reserves, which vary in size but can extend from the shoreline to the outermost reef. Typically, they remain closed for 100 nights, although some encompass broader protections. Between 1960 and 2019, communities established 188 FPAs, with 44% enforcing a 100-night closure and 47% banning all resource extraction.
Following the death of a chief, the community convenes to designate a portion of the sea as tabu. The closure remains in effect until the funerary feast, where fish, turtles and invertebrates are harvested to honor the deceased.
“Funerary protected areas hold much significance for the iTaukei way of life and conservation,” said Seru Moce, a clan leader. “It’s a part of our livelihood, culture and sustainable management of resources.”
Over time, however, FPAs have diminished in size and prevalence. In the 1900s, certain FPAs spanned thousands of hectares; today, they are often confined to 1–10 hectares (2.5–25 acres). Some communities have abandoned the practice altogether, citing dwindling knowledge and the financial burden of traditional rituals.
FPAs have influenced broader conservation efforts. Observing the resurgence of fish populations within closed-off areas, some communities have voluntarily expanded protections beyond funerary traditions. Yet, formal recognition remains elusive. Although Fiji’s government acknowledges customary management rights, the state retains control over nearshore waters, leaving communities with limited legal authority to enforce protections.
“The legal ownership of the fishing grounds should be bestowed to the customary owners,” said Moce. “They hold the traditional knowledge and share a symbiotic relationship with the marine areas.”
The broader conservation community has taken some notice. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Fiji has incorporated FPAs into its ecosystem-based management plans, recognizing the role of Indigenous stewardship. However, such efforts remain sporadic. “Less studied and documented, [FPAs] undermine the significant roles, participation and leadership of Indigenous communities in marine conservation,” said Sirilo Dulunaqio of WCS Fiji.
Researchers say that the value of FPAs extends beyond conservation. “FPAs are important for cultural ecosystem services, food provisioning and sovereignty,” said Ron Vave, the study’s lead author. “If these practices cease, the social, economic and ecological repercussions could be significant.”
For now, the fate of FPAs remains uncertain. While some communities push for stronger legal protections, others struggle to maintain a tradition that has sustained both their culture and their fisheries for generations.
This is a summary of “Funerary practices in Fiji protect marine areas while honoring the deceased”
Banner image:Indigenous Fijians install sticks as markers for an FPA. Image by Keith Ellenbogen / WCS Fiji.
