[{"id":"6dbc698","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"0c9a498","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"7475f62","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>When faced with so many setbacks, the only way of moving forward is remaining positive and focused.<\/p><p>These are the words of 48-year old Renivani Soroi, a member of the Sawakasa Women\u2019s group involved in the seaweed farming project.<\/p><p>The seaweed farm was established in 2013 and was initially run by the Sawakasa Youth Group.<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"},{"id":"cc1ff13","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"Begin\u00adning of the jour\u00adney","header_size":"h4","title_color":"#333333","typography_typography":"custom","typography_font_family":"Poppins","typography_font_weight":"600","_margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"10","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"},{"id":"3a40634","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>Around 40 youths and women of Sawakasa Village, Tailevu had\u00a0 undergone seaweed training and certification back in 2013.<\/p><p>They even went through the seaweed processing training in which they learnt lifelong skills on turning seaweed into soap, body lotion, bathing gels and cosmetics.<\/p><p>\u201cIt was an eye-opener for us when we first started and the possibilities for us were endless. Unfortunately, in 2016, all our activities had to be put on hold because of the devastating effects of TC Winston. We lost everything,\u201d said Ms. Soroi.<\/p><p>\u201cWe didn\u2019t know how we were going to recover from the damages sustained to our homes and of course our seaweed farm. We lost around 400 lines of seaweed, drying racks and our outboard engine.\u201d<\/p><p>She added that rehabilitation had to be prioritised to the repairs of their houses and other sources of livelihoods. In 2019, after many discussions, the women decided to pursue their interests in picking up from where the farm had left off after TC Winston.<\/p><p>\u201cIt took us quite a while to sit together and discuss on how we were going to start again. It took a lot of persuading for the village committee to agree on our reasons for taking up seaweed farming again. Looking back now at how far we have come, I am proud of our combined efforts and determination in starting our farm again,\u201d smiled Ms. Soroi.<\/p><p>Where they are now<\/p><p>After a few visits to the Ministry of Fisheries, the group finally started rebuilding their seaweed farm with the technical assistance and advice of fisheries officers.<\/p><p>This year, they have already harvested over two tonnes of seaweed and still have another two harvests to go before the end of the year.<\/p><p>The group is also content with the current market arrangements and say that they will only grow from hereon.<\/p><p>\u201cWe currently have 200 lines of seaweed and working towards expanding our farm. We also have a nursery which was established through assistance received from the Ministry of Fisheries. So once we harvest everything, we will use our own planting materials from the nursery for our next batch,\u201d she added.<\/p><p>Ms. Soroi said that it takes a lot of patience and dedication for things to work out and they are determined to work hard to reach their goals of creating a stable livelihood for their families.<\/p><p>\u201cWe are so grateful to the Ministry of Fisheries for stepping in to assist us from day one and we are so happy with all the knowledge and experiences that we are also gaining from our farm.\u201d<\/p><p>Working with the market<\/p><p>The Redox Refinery- Sea &amp; Soil<\/p><p>Company have so far been the market outlet for the group and they are grateful for the extra support and assistance rendered by the owners.<\/p><p>Company Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Rohini Hamid says that Sea &amp; Soil is delighted that it can be a part of this exciting journey where the<\/p><p>communities involving hundreds of households can turn to earning an alternative source of income through organic seaweed farming.<\/p><p>\u201cWe have managed to travel to some of our farmers here in the Central Division and will hopefully visit other farms across Fiji.<\/p><p>We work closely with the Ministry of Fisheries in our communities in buying both wet and dry seaweed and just creating more awareness on the endless opportunities and advantages of seaweed farming,\u201d says Ms. Hamid.<\/p><p>\u201cWe have already met and discussed with the women on the formation of a Women in Seaweed Cooperative which we hope will be replicated across Fiji. This will ensure that we are able to assist our farmers in other aspects such as giving back to their communities and so forth,\u201d added Ms. Hamid.<\/p><p>\u201cIt is so encouraging to see more women taking up seaweed farming which of course will assist the Ministry of Fisheries in terms of seaweed development in communities across Fiji.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey only work through low tide. In a week, they can be at the farm only once for monitoring purposes and be back in full force during the harvest which takes between 6 to 8 weeks from planting.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSea &amp; Soil have been buying seaweed from farmers throughout the COVID-19 period. This is in a bid to produce more organic agriculture input products. We currently have 18 products in our organics range,\u201d explained Ms. Hamid.<\/p><p>\u201cOur products will be ready for export within the next two years and we remain committed to buying seaweed from communities who are willing to partner with us in growing the seaweed industry in Fiji,\u201d she added.<\/p><p>Director of Fisheries Neomai Ravitu said seaweed farming is part of the range of commodities the Ministry is developing with the communities in the overarching efforts to sustainably manage our natural resources while also generating economic returns to the communities and Fiji\u2019s private sector.<\/p><p>Currently, there are 15 active seaweed sites across Fiji and this will certainly grow with the increasing number of interested communities that have been frequently seeking advice from the Ministry.<\/p><p>Ms. Ravitu said that despite the economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the impacts of the series of tropical cyclones, Government considers it extremely vital to continue to support communities and companies and to work towards a sustainable blue economy.<\/p><p>\u201cThe Ministry will continue to incorporate climate resilience and adaptation efforts through practical and viable adaptation solutions \u2013 for the benefit of individual fisheries businesses, the sector, and the communities it serves,\u201d Ms. Ravitu said.<\/p><p>Director Ravitu also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Sawakasa women and Sea and Soil company.<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false}]