Changing the Culture of Violence in Fiji

Our collaborations are growing...

One of the collaborations we are incredibly excited about is our partnership with the Corals for Conservation (C4C) project, which is focused on restoring the coral reefs to health against the horror of their global death and decline. Though simple, the process of restoring these reefs is not fully understood. It involves picking coral that is already adapted to hot water from the shallow pockets around the coasts and placing them in nurseries to multiply, hence making them more resilient to climate change, then returning them to the main reef, where they will replace the vulnerable reef. With their adaptability to hot water, they can survive in the ocean's water pockets, which are not as hot.

Corals for Conservation (C4C) has recently been awarded a significant grant to lead a regional research initiative across Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu. This project aims to collect essential data that will be used to inform and persuade stakeholders who are somewhat skeptical about the urgency of coral reef conservation.

Recognizing that lasting change begins with character and trust, the first key activity in this project will be a comprehensive Virtues Project Training for all project staff. This foundational training will not only cultivate individual integrity, trustworthiness, and honesty within the team, additionally, it will also prepare them to become facilitators of The Virtues Project—equipped to inform, guide, and empower the communities they’ll engage with throughout the project.

Building trustworthy, authentic relationships is essential for community-driven conservation. As such, virtues such as compassion, respect, responsibility, and cooperation will be at the core of this work. These qualities are not just ideals—they are practical tools that will help unite diverse stakeholders and ensure that this multi-community initiative is carried out with dignity, inclusiveness, and long-term success.

During this reporting period, our virtues trainer has held excellent meetings with people at all levels of the community, including the high chief, and a group of women on Lakeba Island, all looking to have further Virtues Project training.  

Your generosity over the years has been invaluable. Your donations pay for materials, travel, training, lodging and more.  Thank you for your commitment to the well-being of Fiji.