Indigenous Fijian funerals in Fiji and its influence and effects on Social and Ecological resilience

Abstract

Globally, there is extensive socioecological research on protected areas to address human well-being, food security, and biodiversity conservation challenges. An emerging area of research includes protected areas associated with cultural practices, such as sacred sites and cemeteries. My research assesses how the funerals of indigenous Fijians (iTaukei), influences and affects social and ecological resilience. iTaukei funerals were selected since rivers/reefs are culturally protected after burial (funerary protected area [FPA]) and harvested after 100 nights for a memorial feast. However, FPAs have not been researched despite 30+ years of co-managed conservation efforts between non-government organizations and iTaukei communities. This research found that FPAs are practiced in 42% of 1,171 villages across Fiji but have ceased in 19%. This was partly attributed to displacement by conservation efforts, resulting in loss of cultural and food provisioning services. This elicited community harvest of conservation area, which negated any gains. Information gathered from 239 funerals across Fiji showed average cash expenditures of US$4,979, of which 62% was from the decedent’s family. High expenditures stemmed from developments such as access to mortuary, air/sea transport charter, and a cash economy. To balance cultural continuity against household survival, families implemented myriad informal adaptive strategies, which included changes to rituals, to enhance resilience. A key lesson for entities implementing development projects with indigenous communities is the need for truly holistic engagement processes that incorporate cultural practice and worldviews. Otherwise, exclusion would result in vulnerable indigenous communities and consequentially, the environment, for whom they could be the last best stewards.