The Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji- WISH Fiji

Background:

The condition of ecological watersheds affects the health of people and the downstream environments in which they live. Higher incidences of water-related bacterial diseases like typhoid and leptospirosis occur within watersheds that have large tracts of cleared land and higher densities of livestock accessing waterways. In addition, watershed alterations that promote flooding and standing water can accelerate mosquito-borne dengue transmission within rural communities. These same activities increase the amounts of sediments and nutrients entering waterways, with devastating impacts on freshwater and coastal coral reef ecosystems and thus the food, livelihoods and cultural practices of local people. Targeted watershed interventions and water management practices reduce water-related disease risk, improve downstream ecosystem condition and support overall system health.

Purpose:

The Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project embraces this integrated approach, working with national and local government, rural communities and the commercial sector to reduce infection risk and improve health and well-being within five river sub-catchments areas in Fiji. We are transforming action from reactive to preventative, improving the ability of integrated systems to predict, prevent, respond and recover from water-related infectious diseases and natural disasters.

Aim:

• Reduce the incidence of water-related diseases in people and downstream coral in five sub-catchments;
• Empower communities to access and maintain their fundamental right to clean water;
• Strengthen connections to place to enhance environmental stewardship and to maintain cultural practice;
• Develop a coordination mechanism for systems health governance between communities and government, and across commercial sectors; and
• Facilitate approaches to sustainably finance and scale interventions nationally.

Scope of work:

The research works in the sub-catchments of Dawasamu, Waibula, Upper Navua, Bureta and Dama to:

• Gathering baseline information on land and water use, water and sanitation infrastructure, water quality, ecosystem condition and recent suspected and confirmed cases of water-related disease;
• Using this information to co-design and adapt targeted management interventions with local communities;
• Working with local leaders and government agencies to improve health and watershed system governance; and
• Monitoring the impact of these changes over time.

Partners:

WISH Fiji is collaboration between the University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, Fiji National University, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Water Authority of Fiji, Pacific Community, UNICEF and World Health Organization.

Link to Official Website: https://wishfiji.sydney.edu.au/