Taveuni, Fiji – In the heart of Taveuni, Mr. Tomasi Sovayaloka from Tavuki, Cakaudrove, is proving that farmers do not need to encroach on the Taveuni Forest Reserves to make a living. By cultivating watercress, Tomasi has demonstrated that alternative crops can provide better economic returns than traditional farming methods while preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem.
For generations, farmers in Taveuni have relied on dalo and yaqona has their main cash crops. However, the expansion of these crops had led to deforestation, threatening the island’s water catchment and biodiversity. Tomasi has chosen a different path. By shifting his focus on watercress farming, he is making a sustainable income while ensuring that the surrounding forest remains intact.
“I chose watercress because it provides a quick source of income for my family. I can harvest it within three weeks, making it the best option for me. Dalo and yaqona take a long time; it can take eight to nine months to mature, and yaqona can take years,” said Tomasi.
His farm yields 14 bags of watercress per week, each selling for FJ$50, generating a steady income of FJ$700 weekly. This short turnaround allows him to reinvest quickly, ensuring financial stability for his family without resorting to environmentally harmful practices.
Beyond economic benefits, Tomasi is committed to conservation. He understands the importance of the Taveuni Forest Reserve in maintaining ecosystem balance. He urges farmers to respect protected areas and explore alternative farming methods that do not require deforestation. “When I walk through a forest, my first thought is always to protect it—not to cut down trees, but to plant more and help restore our land for a healthier future,” he said.
Deforestation, especially in the Taveuni Forest Reserve and Ravilevu Nature Reserve, has become a pressing concern as farmers clear land to plant dalo and yaqona. This loss of forest cover threatens watershed areas critical to the island’s freshwater supply. Tomasi’s farm, located roughly 500 meters from the Blue Line boundary of the Reserves, depends heavily on this water system to sustain his crops. He urges fellow farmers to stick to designated farming zones and consider cultivating crops that need less land and offer quicker financial returns because protecting the forest is essential to preserving the health of his farm and countless others.
“To those in Taveuni who have encroached the Blue Line boundary (Taveuni Forest Reserves), I plead with you to move out and respect the Forest Reserve. Let’s preserve the areas where trees should not be cut. I also call on the wider community to plant more of our native trees,” said Tomasi.
Tomasi’s efforts have gained recognition and support. The Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC+) Project has provided him with essential resources to expand his farm, create water channels from the farm’s spring water source, and enhance weed control. Tomasi in 2012 started up a nursery that was established through PEBACC 1 project and since then he had been supplying seedlings to the Forestry plant a tree campaign. The PEBACC+ project supports him by directly purchasing seedlings from his nursery that go towards the community replanting efforts on the island. This assistance has enabled him to scale his operations sustainably. The project is also working with him to further landscape his watercress garden area by planting native trees all around and integrating an agroforestry approach.
Ms. Loraini Sivo, PEBACC+ Project Manager with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), praised Tomasi’s initiative: “His dedication towards an organic farming approach and environmental conservation exemplifies how traditional knowledge, modern support, and responsible land use can drive sustainable development. His farm serves as a model for farmers seeking economic opportunities that align with ecological preservation.
She added, “Farmers like Tomasi prove that it is possible to make a living without encroaching the protected forests. The Taveuni Forest Reserve marked by the Blue Line boundary is essential for safeguarding the island’s water catchment and biodiversity, and it is critical that we work together to protect it for future generations.”
Tomasi’s example can inspire more farmers in Taveuni to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. By shifting to alternative crops and respecting protected forests, farmers can achieve financial success while preserving the environment for future generations.
“Three years ago, I started planting watercress, and now the farm is expanding. To sustain it, I’m dedicating both my time and income to its growth. I also started a nursery last year, but even before that, I was planting trees like Buka, Yasi, Uto, and Vesi—valuable species for future generations,” said Tomasi.
“I’m grateful to PEBACC+ for supporting the expansion of my watercress farm. The income it generates helps me support my family and put my children through school.”
The PEBACC+ Project is working closely with the Cakaudrove Provincial Office under the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways to enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities in Taveuni. The project operates in Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and Wallis-and-Futuna, and aims to institutionalize ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to climate change. With funding from the Kiwa Initiative and the French Facility for Global Environment, PEBACC+ is actively integrating Nature-based Solutions into public policies to ensure long-term sustainability.
For more information, please contact:
Setaita Tavanabola, Communications Officer, PEBACC+ Project, SPREP; email: setaitat@sprep.org.