Multilayer Rules and Governance in Fiji Coastal Communities: A Case Study of Veivatuloa Village

The efficacy of rules at the community level has helped to govern people’s actions for a long time. Rules are vital for governing how a society uses its resources over time. There are multiple rules that coexist, which have a negative impact on resource utilization and management. In this study, we have explored the complexity of rules within communities, where both formal and informal rules apply, that is, multilayer rules, and examined their effectiveness at the community level. We include an analysis of the importance of community governance, property rights and leadership, traditional rules, and governmental regulations. Furthermore, we present a case study of Veivatuloa Village and describe solutions for utilizing rules for better management of coastal resources.