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Our Team
William Toganivalu
Managing Director
As Managing Director, William Toganivalu leads the Blue Prosperity Fiji team, strengthens high-level government and stakeholder relationships, and drives the strategy and implementation needed to advance Fiji’s 30x30 pathway.
William brings an impressive depth of leadership, diplomacy, and operational experience to this role. As Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific, he has represented Fiji’s national interests and strategic priorities, working closely with political leaders, government officials, and Pacific organizations on sustainable development, climate action, regional security, and economic cooperation.
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Prior to his diplomatic appointment, William served as Regional Security and Risk Management Advisor for GIZ in the Pacific, conducting country risk assessments and risk mitigation strategies for teams across the Pacific and globally. Earlier in his career, he served for 13 years in the British Army, with operational experience in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and held additional roles in close protection, telecommunications, and international security programming. ​
Saras Sharma-Gounder
Manager of Policy and Technical Coordination
As the Manager of Policy and Technical Coordination, Mrs. Saras Sharma-Gounder will collaborate closely with government partners and stakeholders to lead Blue Prosperity Fiji's initiatives. Bringing over 16 years of experience from her tenure at Fiji's Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Saras is exceptionally qualified for her role. Her expertise spans work on a diversity of issues from science, including community-based management, policy, and compliance.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree (Geography and Marine Affairs) from the University of the South Pacific in 2006, and a Postgraduate Diploma (Marine Management) in 2016.
Lewis Boulton
Manager of Operations and Strategic Coordination
Lewis is the Manager of Operations and Strategic Coordination for Blue Prosperity Fiji, helping keep program efforts coordinated, aligned with commitments to Government and partners, and moving forward effectively. In this role, he also translates program priorities and leadership decisions into clear work plans and deliverables, identifies operational bottlenecks early, and supports the team in addressing them.
Lewis brings more than two decades of experience in operations, procurement, logistics, budgeting, contract management, and strategic coordination across Fiji and Samoa. He has held senior roles in government, public authorities, and the private sector, including positions with the Ministry of Finance and the Water Authority of Fiji. This experience has given him a strong understanding of government systems, financial controls, organizational processes, and the practical coordination needed to move complex work forward.
Biutoka Kacimaiwai
Communications Manager
Biu Kacimaiwai has led media and communications work for over ten years, specialising in events and digital communications. He served as Lead Communications person for GIZ Pacific, contributing to projects including the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, the MACBLUE Project, and the Low Carbon Sea Transport Project. He has also led communications for Oceania Rugby through his consultancy, Run Eight Digital.
Biu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Journalism from the University of the South Pacific.
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An active outrigger canoe paddler with the Kaiwai Outrigger Canoe Club, Biu is also a member of the Uto Ni Yalo Trust. He hails from Muaikacuni, Moala, Lau, with maternal links to Nabouwalu, Bua.
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"The ocean is not just my work — it is my heritage. Protecting it is protecting who we are as Fijians."
Dr. Joeli Veitayaki
Strategic Advisor
Dr. Veitayaki will serve as an Advisor for science, community engagement, and cultural aspects, and as Co-Primary Investigator for the Blue Prosperity Fiji Research Expedition. Dr. Veitayaki was an Associate Professor of Marine Studies at the University of the South Pacific’s School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Science Marine Studies. He was recently the Acting Campus Director at the USP Samoa Campus in Apia. He is also Director for the International Ocean Institute Pacific Islands based at the USP, is Co-Chair of the Korea-South Pacific Ocean Forum (KSPOFF) and a member of the Panel of Experts for a Sustainable Ocean Economy assembled by the World Resource Institute in support of the High Level Panel on the Sustainable Ocean Economy.
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He has formulated all of the community based initiatives of the Lomani Gau network, which has coordinated the partnerships between development partners and the 16 villages of Gau Island on the sustainable use and management of their environment resources.
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Joeli celebrates his upbringing in rural Gau Island, Fiji and how his education and work has taken him to places he only used to see in books and film. This grounding has allowed him to navigate through the traditional and modern ways of living. He is grateful to be serving his family, village, island, Fiji, the Pacific Islands and the world.
Andrew Paris
Senior Environment Coordinator
Prior to joining the program, Andrew was a research assistant and marine studies master's student at the University of the South Pacific. Andrew is a Fijian who has been immersed in ocean-centric research in the South Pacific after completing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science.
Andrew has designed and managed research in marine ecology, marine pollution, and eco-toxicology and possesses a strong record of outreach and advocacy for ocean stewardship. Andrew is the co-founder of the Pacific Ocean Litter Youth Project which is a youth collective that seeks to alter societal paradigms around plastic pollution through science and art.
Josaia Vosataki Kaulotukiyacata
Blue Economy Coordinator
Josaia Vosataki Kaulotukiyacata brings over a decade of experience in Fiji’s development sector, with expertise in grassroots project planning, policy analysis, and multi-sector coordination. As the Blue Economy Coordinator for Blue Prosperity Fiji (BPF), he leads engagement with government agencies, communities, and partners to advance a resilient and inclusive blue economy. His background includes strategic roles at the Office of the Prime Minister, where he supported national development planning, Cabinet-level policy work, infrastructure governance, and evidence-based decision-making across major government and development partner programs.
Throughout his career, Josaia has strengthened project oversight, sector performance reviews, and interagency coordination while ensuring vulnerable and minority groups benefit from national initiatives. Known for his ability to bridge policy, operations, and community needs, he brings humility, discipline, and a strong commitment to Fiji’s future. Josaia is dedicated to supporting the sustainable management of Fiji’s ocean resources and contributing to a thriving blue economy for generations to come.
Shivam Jalam
Sustainable Fisheries Coordinator
Shivam Jalam is a marine science professional with over a decade of experience in Fiji’s fisheries sector, spanning both government and private organizations. He currently serves as the Sustainable Fisheries Coordinator at Blue Prosperity Fiji, where he supports national efforts to promote sustainable ocean use and marine biodiversity conservation.
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In his role, Shivam leads the coordination of sustainable fisheries initiatives across Fiji. He works closely with communities, stakeholders, and government partners to enhance the management of inshore and offshore fisheries, strengthen data collection systems, and develop strategies that balance ecological health with economic opportunity. He is also focused on identifying and supporting value-addition opportunities that increase the benefits of ocean resources for local communities.
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Shivam is passionate about creating lasting impact through collaborative, science-based solutions that secure the long-term health and productivity of Fiji’s ocean ecosystems.
Laitia Tamata
Nearshore Engagement Coordinator
With deep roots in Fiji’s coastal communities and a wealth of experience in marine conservation, Laitia Tamata joins Blue Prosperity Fiji (BPF) as the primary point of contact for our nearshore work, leading collaboration with government partners, communities, and stakeholders to better coordinate and advance sustainable nearshore fisheries management.
Over the past 15+ years, Laitia has shaped community-based fisheries management across Fji and the Pacific, serving in key roles such as National Coordinator of the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas (FLMMA) Network and Marine Species/Fisheries Projects Coordinator at WWF-Pacific. From policy advocacy to grassroots mobilization, he’s been instrumental in supporting communities to steward their marine resources.
Laitia’s legacy includes supporting reviews of inshore fisheries laws, coordinating village-based conservation initiatives, and mentoring youth and climate action groups. His leadership has empowered communities to restore degraded ecosystems and build climate resilience leaving an enduring impact on both land and sea.
What sets Laitia apart is his heart for people and the ocean. Driven by a bold vision and grounded in vanua values, he brings unmatched energy, wisdom, and purpose to this role. We're thrilled to welcome him aboard as we work together to sustainably steer Fiji’s nearshore waters today, and for generations to come.
Keleni Bola Raqisia
Technical Marine Spatial Planning Coordinator
Keleni Bola Raqisi serves as Blue Prosperity Fiji's Technical Marine Spatial Planning Coordinator.
With over 15 years of experience in geospatial systems and marine data management, including roles at SPC/SOPAC and Fiji’s Mineral Resources Department, Keleni brings extensive technical expertise to our team. Her skills in GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and reporting will be vital to support the advancement of Marine Spatial Planning in Fiji. Keleni's role also supports the analytical work of the Navakavu nearshore MSP pilot. ​
Ian Chute
Communications Coordinator
As the Communications Coordinator, Mr. Ian Chute is committed to enhancing public awareness and engagement with Blue Prosperity Fiji's initiatives. With prior roles as a Production Assistant at the Government of Fiji’s Department of Information and as a reporter for the Fiji Times, he brings a wealth of experience and invaluable insight to his position. He is a student of Journalism and Law at the University of the South Pacific.
He is an alumnus of the Edward R. Murrow International Visitor Leadership Program for Journalists, having participated in the program in March 2023.
John Kaitu'u
Marine Spatial Planning Technical Manager | Waitt Institute
John Kaitu’u has joined the Waitt Institute as a Marine Spatial Planning Technical Manager. In this role, he will assist partners in mapping and managing Marine Spatial Planning data and activities across their ocean space, helping them navigate national priorities through an informed decision-making process.