Conceptualizing destinations as a Vanua: The evolution and resilience of a Fijian social and ecological system

Abstract

This chapter improves understanding of the complex and adaptive nature of indigenous Fijian society. It unpacks the components of an indigenous Fijian community or vanua as a social and ecological system (SES), drawing attention to the links between culture, livelihoods activities and their influence on the overall resilience of Fijian communities involved in tourism. It reviews the literature on complex adaptive systems (CAS) and resilience, and discusses the theoretical foundations of the study. Ultimately, this chapter asserts that the introduction of the tourism system at the livelihood level has created shifts within other system elements affecting levels of resilience in a positive way. The chapter provides an empirical basis for the use of the Vanua SES and Resilience Model as a means to conceptualize a tourism-based destination community.