FIJI - OPTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Fiji is prosperous island octonarian with a relatively large and varied resource base. Yet environmental and social strains are becoming more apparent as economic growth continues apace. There has been a growing awareness that new and more sustainable form of economic activity need to examined as short-term supplements and possible long-term replacements for the present core economic sectors. Two such sets of options are examined: a rediscovery of past methods and activities, and small-scale ventures which have emerged 'from below' as village-based operations. These have considerable promise but also limitations. This paper argues that unless there is a more fundamental shift towards cultural reappraisal away from a dominant developmentalist ethos, then sustainability cannot be achieved.