Posted on January, 21 2025

Known for his expertise in weaving durable fishing nets, this local artisan has redirected his talent to a groundbreaking project—weaving Labasa rivers first waste trap.

Traditional knowledge for modern challenges

Mr Sikovanua hails from the island of Druadrua which is in the district of Namuka, Macuata and is from a traditional line of fishermen referred to as Gonedau. These are people who traditionally fish for the Tui Nadogo.

By using traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations, he has designed a sturdy 30-meter eco-friendly trap to capture waste in the Labasa River. This innovative solution aims to reduce pollution, protect marine biodiversity, and promote healthier communities.

Understanding the stakes: Threats to the Labasa river

The Labasa river is one of four major rivers that drains into Fiji’s biologically diverse Great Sea Reef, a system that runs for over 200 kilometres from Udu point in Vanualevu to the Coral coast in Vitilevu. Like many of Fiji’s major rivers and streams, the Labasa river is threatened by pollution, overfishing, sedimentation and plastics, all which harm the health and integrity of the Labasa river, its surrounding wetlands and bio-diverse ecosystems.

Waste audit insights: the scale of the problem

Recent statistics obtained from the Fiji National Waste Audit Analysis report 2023, states that Labasa’s population stands at 65,978 and that waste collected by the municipal council is made up of household and business waste.

The report showed that only solid waste is collected by the town council from 104 households and 14 businesses, the waste is then transported to the Namara landfill, a wetland.

The audit highlighted that organic waste is the most prevalent waste type found in household waste compositions in Fiji. This was followed by plastic waste and then paper and cardboard.
 • Organics: 37.30% • Plastics: 18.30% • Paper and cardboard: 17.40% • Hygiene: 11.4% • Others: 7.3% • Metals: 4.1% • Others: 7.3% • Glass: 2.7% followed by Single Use and E-Waste.

However, data on liquid and marine plastic waste in the Labasa river remains unavailable.
 
Community action- the role of Qoliqoli Cokovata Management Committee

“Most of our coastal communities have been affected from the rubbish that is dumped in our rivers and it is affecting our reefs and marine life as well as our livelihoods,” said Mr Seru Moce, from the Qoliqoli Cokovata Management Committee (QCMC).

“Once approved for implementation, we will first place the river waste trap at the lower part of the river to find out the type of rubbish collected from town before we move further upstream,” Moce said.

Mr Moce added that QCMC had reached out to Mr Sikovanua because they were made aware of his skills in weaving long fishing nets and by providing him with a budget and materials needed, Sikovanua wasted no time in weaving the waste trap.

The Qoliqoli Cokovata site covers a land area of approximately 2,064 km² with a total marine area of 134,900 hectares.

Building a solution: partnership and committment

“It took me a month to complete this waste trap alongside some youths of Sasa village and I am proud of it,” Sikovanua said.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared, "I used to catch turtles with these nets, but I realized the damage I was causing. Now, I want to protect the ocean and teach others that change is possible."

“The Labasa waste trap is a testament to the innovation and commitment from our community leaders in safeguarding the health of their environment and biodiversity and that the solutions already exist within us It reflects the power of local action in addressing global challenges, and we are proud to stand alongside these champions of change as they work to protect the Great Sea Reef for future generations,” said WWF-Pacific Great Sea Reef programme lead Unaisi Malani-Tagicakibau.

The Qoliqoli Cokovata Management Committee through WWFs support was successful in receiving a GEF Small Grant and these are one of the innovating activities that are part of this grant.

This initiative and the Qoliqoli Cokovata Management Committee and communities is supported by the Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN) project, the Mangroves for Community and Climate Bezos Project, and is a powerful example of how traditional knowledge can address modern challenges.

With the waste trap completion, it’s not just a tool to tackle pollution but a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the community’s commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s waterways for future generations.