Edward Narayan: Project Update: May 2008

A “sevusevu” - traditional Fijian presentation was conducted on Viwa Island on the 20th of April, 2008. This ceremony is an integral component of the indigenous Fijian tradition. A large bundle of Kava (traditional Fijian drink) root was presented to the “Ratu” -chief of the Viwa Islands. This presentation was observed by the research scientists from the University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji. The presentation was given to the “Ratu” on our behalf by the “Turaga-ni-Koro” -village spokesman. The village spokesman informed the chief about the overall objectives of the project its benefits to the local people and the conservation of endangered Fijian ground frog.

At the end of the ceremony, the chief of the village accepted the Kava root (this indicates that he accepted our request and granted permission for the project to be conducted on Viwa Islands). This event marks the start of our project on Viwa Islands.