AQUA-Pearl Stakeholder Workshop

The AQUA-Pearl Stakeholder Workshop held in November 2024 brought together key stakeholders to discuss nature-based aquaculture and its role in building climate resilience in Fiji. AQUA-Pearl, implemented by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) along with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), J. Hunter Pearls, the Pacific Community (SPC), and Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries, aims to enhance community resilience to climate change through nature-based approaches to oyster aquaculture and plays a role within the broader AQUADAPT network. 

This report covers the key discussions, insights, and outcomes from the workshop:

• Project Background: AQUA-Pearl (2024–2027) supports gender-responsive, community-led aquaculture in Fiji by integrating nature-based solutions (NbS).
• Workshop Summary: Held in November 2024, the event introduced stakeholders to AQUA-Pearl and its alignment with biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and gender equality.
• Discussions and Outcomes: Stakeholders explored the challenges and opportunities of NbS in aquaculture, policy alignment, and challenges to implementation.
• Next Steps: Recommendations included more research on NbS, open data, and information on parallel initiatives; capacity building on seafood safety, good hygiene, and post-harvest handling; a whole-of-government approach for operationalizing and institutionalizing elements of the national aquaculture policy; and creating public–private partnerships.