Our world is suffering from global warming, and all the pollution of the rainforests, oceans, and air, all of which we need in order to survive. And, it is fascinating when you read about people who actually care about saving our planet, and who know about the disaster that is facing us, if we do not change our habits. It is fascinating to read about people who are trying to stop it.
On an island called Kiobo, in Fiji, people live like their ancestors lived many years ago. The reporter that went there writes how, while her family feasts on turkey, the Kiobo citizens drink coconut milk. There is no running water, hardly any power lines and electricity. There are no TVs, computers or video games. The clothes that are worn are completely hand-made, by the people wearing them. The food that the villagers eat are all locally grown. They eat the coconuts they grow, and the fish and lobsters that they catch from the ocean. Almost everything in this village is from the ocean. It is necessary for the people's survival. However, living from the ocean surrounding their island, has become very difficult for the people of Kiobo, especially in the past few years. Pollution and climate change is affecting Kiobo more then ever. Huge ships are scooping up tuna, lobsters, and clams in huge amounts every single day. The marine animals cannot multiply as fast as they're being killed. However, Kiobo people think that they could solve this problem.A region on the isalnd, called Kubalau, is trying to protect and take care of both life underwater, as well as the cultures above the water, or, on ground.
The people are trying to lure more tourists to visit the ocean, but taking care of them, and making sure that they do not polute it. With the money that they earn, the villagers will protect the underwater environment, their culture, and all the marine animals. Marine biologists are calling Fiji the "the beacon to the world". Next, the people of Kiobo and the Coral Reef Alliance took the reporter to a national park, called the Namena. This national park is underwater, and just like any other national parks, it has its rules and limitations. The national park doesn't allow huge boats to catch fish, even though the locals can catch fish and other marine animals here, since they do not fish out of greed, but because they need it for their survival. People in Kiobo respect the fish, and they do not hunt them in large quantities. The Kiobo people own the ocean around them, as part of their fishing grounds, that have been in their tradition and culture for centuries, and which are called Qoliqoli. The coral reef alliance will make sure that people who come to Kiobo respect the fishing grounds, and that they will treat the land and water the way the environment can handle. Kiobo people are also teaching their children how to respect the land and water around them, as well as know what makes their culture distinct. Also, they are training fish wardens, who try and prevent poachers from fishing illegally.
Some of the species that live in the ocean surrounding the Kiobo, are reef sharks, barracuda, hammerhead sharks, hawksbill turtles, corals, and many more.
My opinion of those people is that they're absolutely amazing. They are kind. and are trying to help the nature, even though they are not extremely rich. The fact that they're giving away most of the money that they earn to save the ocean, is absolutely astounding to me. I wish that in this world there are more like them, who are willing to help out planet, in any way possible.
Link: http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20100203/Feature1.asp
By: Emily Sohn
Date published: February 3, 2010
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