The Fijian Yaqona or Kava ceremony is one that is fascinating as natural resources play an important role in ensuring the authenticity and shows the level of connection the Itaukei people have to natural resources.

This ceremony is one that from a Conservationists point of view speaks volumes of the harmonious inter-relationship that the Itaukei people have with the natural environment.

The pictorial shows the use of resources at the various stages of the Yaqona ceremony during the 2015 Adi Bua Festival. One of the major objectives of the Festival is for the revival and strengthening of the Itaukei culture and in this case it is ensuring that the unique Yaqona ceremony of the Province of Bua is kept alive. There are both elements of the land and the sea that can be witnessed during the Yaqona ceremony.

Below is a description of the natural resources used and where they are sourced from:

Like all traditional ceremonies the world over, the Itaukei people of Fiji should be proud of the uniqueness of their customs and traditions. It is important that we preserve these norms so that other cultures as well as our future generations are able to get a glimpse of what we value.

Finally, as important as it is to preserve our culture and tradition, we must also ensure to protect and conserve these natural resources that add value and authenticity to our ceremonies.