In the coastal and marine environments of Fiji, a longstanding Indigenous tradition continues to shape both cultural identity and environmental stewardship. Known as funerary protected areas (FPAs), these temporary no-take zones are established by the iTaukei people—the Indigenous inhabitants of Fiji—to honor deceased community members. Though rooted in spiritual and cultural customs, these closures have had the unintended yet beneficial consequence of supporting sustainable marine resource management. Despite their ecological significance, FPAs have received limited attention in scientific discourse and contemporary conservation policies.
Recent research has brought these traditional practices into focus, highlighting their structure, frequency, and ecological outcomes. The size of FPAs can vary significantly, ranging from the shoreline to the outer reefs, and they typically remain closed for a period of 100 nights. In some cases, the restrictions are even more stringent, prohibiting all forms of resource extraction. Fijian communities recorded 188 FPAs between 1960 and 2019. Of these, approximately 44% enforced the 100-night ban, while 47% adopted a total exclusion approach for the duration of the closure.
The initiation of an FPA typically follows the death of a chief or respected elder. Community members gather to designate a section of the marine environment as tabu, or off-limits. The closure remains until the period of mourning culminates in a funerary feast, during which marine resources such as fish, turtles, and invertebrates are harvested to commemorate the deceased.
According to Seru Moce, a clan leader, these practices are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the iTaukei people. “Funerary protected areas hold much significance for the iTaukei way of life and conservation,” he stated. “It’s a part of our livelihood, culture, and sustainable management of resources.”
However, the prominence and extent of FPAs have gradually declined. In the early 20th century, some of these areas encompassed thousands of hectares. Today, they are often reduced to smaller patches ranging from one to ten hectares. Factors contributing to this decline include a weakening of traditional knowledge and the rising cost of carrying out customary rituals, leading some communities to abandon the practice entirely.
Despite these challenges, FPAs have had a noticeable impact on local conservation practices. The observed recovery of marine species within these temporarily protected zones has inspired some communities to broaden the scope of protection beyond funerary customs. Nevertheless, formal integration of FPAs in national conservation strategies remains limited. Although the Fijian government recognizes customary resource management practices, legal ownership of coastal waters resides with the state. This leaves communities with minimal authority to enforce their traditional regulations.
Moce emphasized the need for legal empowerment of Indigenous custodians. “The legal ownership of the fishing grounds should be bestowed to the customary owners,” he argued. “They hold the traditional knowledge and share a symbiotic relationship with the marine areas.”
Some conservation organizations have begun to acknowledge the importance of FPAs. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Fiji, for instance, has included FPAs in its ecosystem-based management plans, citing the critical role of Indigenous stewardship. Still, such initiatives remain inconsistent and under-documented. As noted by WCS Fiji’s Sirilo Dulunaqio, the lack of comprehensive study and policy support diminishes the visibility and impact of Indigenous leadership in marine conservation.
Researchers stress that FPAs offer more than just ecological benefits. Ron Vave, lead author of the recent study, pointed out their broader value. “FPAs are important for cultural ecosystem services, food provisioning, and sovereignty,” he noted. “If these practices cease, the social, economic, and ecological repercussions could be significant.”
Communities face a dual challenge as the future of FPAs remains uncertain—preserving a significant cultural tradition and advocating for its recognition as a legitimate conservation strategy. Ensuring the survival of these practices may be key to safeguarding both cultural heritage and marine biodiversity in Fiji for generations to come.
