The UniFiji USAID PACAM project team initiated their community outreach programme at Komave Village, Nadroga.

The main purpose for the meeting was to present the findings of the thematic maps produced during the mapping exercise to the villagers.

The team conducted informal discussions with communities and the Nadroga/ Navosa Provincial Council thus, collecting data that would be useful in attuning the maps.

The UniFiji PACAM project manager, Anish Maharaj began with the meeting by thanking the villagers for taking out their time and attending the meeting.

A presentation was done by UniFiji PACAM project team whereby the communities were briefed about the project, its objectives, and satellite maps for Komave, benefits from the project and its expected outcomes. 2

“Small groups were formed and in each group we had one ItaukeiUniFiji staff/student, this enabled the participants to communicate well with the UniFiji PACAM project team,” Mr Maharaj said.

“Each group was given a draft map and were requested to discuss and provide additional information such as fishing sites, picnic and extraction spots and waste disposal sites.”

UniFiji PACAM project team informed the villagers to use the draft map as a resource to help conserve their resources.

About 33 people had registered and attended the meeting out of which 16 were males while 17 were females.

The participatory group discussion was very constructive and the information gathered will be interpreted and the thematic maps will be attuned accordingly by incorporating the traditional knowledge and ideas.

Source: University of Fiji

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