All life began in the sea

 Sea grass washes ashore lining the beachfront here at the Mission House at Nasese, Suva. Photo: Tevita Naikasowalu

Seagrass washes ashore, lining the beachfront near the Columban Mission House at Nasese, Suva. Photo: Tevita Naikasowalu

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:1-2).

Life is something that cannot be spontaneous or independent but rather depends on something or someone to form a partnership. Life is also maintained in relationships. According to science, the evolution of life on earth from early cells was made possible through various relationships. Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth, including microbes, fungi, plants, animals and humans. Biodiversity includes forms of life that humans continue to know little about. 

I interpret the term biodiversity in the Fijian context and language. Bio, meaning life, is bula in Fijian, and diversity reflects the unique variety of life forms in relationship with one another, veiwekani. So, biodiversity to me as an indigenous Fijian is 'life relationship,' or bula veiwekani.

Over millennia, the least in creation has always been subjected to injustices and cruelty due to people's failure to know, see and understand the specific roles, responsibilities and contributions each plays to the wellbeing of the whole. "For it is the least among you all who is the greatest" (Luke 9: 48). In this passage from Luke's gospel, as Jesus welcomed the little boy, He taught the disciples to respect everyone, to listen, learn and live with one another, whilst paying reverence to God. When I think of this passage from Luke's gospel, what comes to mind is the whole of God's creation, human and other than human, and the life-sustaining relationships that keep everything going.

During the Age of Discovery, explorers, traders and colonizers were empowered by the Doctrine of Discovery and set out to conquer so-called savage and heathen lands. They came to our Oceania region and other parts of the world to claim them for King and Crown and their own glory. As a result, Indigenous people were subjected to harsh treatment and slavery simply because they were viewed as different and uncivilized. Their ways of life, values, traditions, customs, art, craft, spirituality, scientific knowledge (now called traditional knowledge), economies and social structures were disregarded. This was and is the experience of my people, the indigenous people of the world. 

The deep blue bay of Veidrala in Naviti Levu, Ra, surrounds the site where the early missionaries landed, as seen in the picture below. This is in the remote North-West of the Viti Levu Island of Fiji. 

The deep blue bay of Veidrala in Naviti Levu

When new lands are used for development and construction, many organisms perish as lands and trees are extracted, processed and removed. This also is the case for our rivers and oceans when minerals and other substances are extracted for use, and the the remaining parts of the system are treated as mere waste and rubbish. 

The extractive industry is rapidly increasing in the Oceania region and is very much after the sands of our shores, especially black Sand. Black Sand is common in precious coastal ecosystems where the river, foreshore and sea interact in dynamic relationships. Coastal ecosystems contain vital mangrove forests and are sanctuaries for fish, animal and bird life. Right now, black sand mining is happening at two of Fiji's biggest rivers. Black sand mining at the Ba river has temporarily been suspended, and at the Sigatoka river, black sand mining is in its explorative stages. We are working hard with our environmental networks to stop this massive destruction.

The union between life on dry land and the deep ocean happens at the foreshore. The foreshore bridges land and water, where animals, fish and humans interact daily. The foreshore is like a mother's womb because it is the source of life, economy, fun and nourishment to all on planet earth.

Seagrasses are the foreshore grasslands, a pasture to sea animals and the main photosynthesis production area. Seagrasses also shelter molluscs, fish, squid, and little crustaceans, often serving as foraging grounds for sea turtles. Sharks and turtles have been patrolling the ocean for millions of years and help keep seagrass ecosystems in balance. Seagrasses are one of nature's greatest and most underappreciated plants for storing carbon and battling climate change. Whilst storing carbon, seagrasses give out oxygen, without which oceans would be in serious trouble. Globally, there are seventy-two different species of seagrass. Seagrasses are even more important to humans in some places than coral reefs.

A sea shell still clings to a sea grass plant at Nasese beach front, SuvaPhoto: Tevita Naikasowalu

A sea shell still clings to a seagrass plant at Nasese beachfront, SuvaPhoto: Tevita Naikasowalu.

The destruction of life forms and entire living systems in the Earth community today is directly related to humanity's loss of feeling related to and connected to our environment, neighbours, and God Himself. Some of us think that there is no relation between humankind and land, but it is definitely clear, "you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19). Nonetheless, we are indeed thankful and praise the Holy Spirit who has always been hovering over the dark periods of our histories, guiding us into light and slowly revealing to us the mystery of God's Love in people and all creation. 

To Protect the Earth, we must protect our ocean.

In Fiji and Oceania, it is extremely important for us to preserve coastal ecosystems because they sustain our life. We are stewards who must continue our sacred duty. Our job is very simple, we need to just let coastal ecosystems be, and they will continue to provide for and look after you and me. 

Columban Mission House on the beachfront, Suva, Fiji. Photo: Tevita

Columban Mission House on the beachfront, Suva, Fiji. Photo: Tevita Naikasowalu

Columban missionaries in Fiji will celebrate Earth Month with an event at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Crypt in Suva on the 27th of April to reflect on the theme' Justice and Peace for our earth.' The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation and Inter-Religious Dialogue ministries of the Columban mission in Fiji combine efforts to lead the event. This is a practical application of our commitment to the synodal approach of listening and journeying together in mission within the context of a wounded world, just as we share our experiences with you. 

Vinaka Vakalevu,

Tevita Naikasowalu
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Co-ordinator
Missionary Society of St Columban, Fiji 

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