FIJI COUNTRY PROGRAM 2015

With the support of the Department of Fisheries, WCS contracted Dr. Veikila Vuki and regional
fisheries expert, Mr. Robert Gillett, to conduct a review of offshore fisheries in the Vatu-i-Ra
Seascape. Maps of key areas important to deeper water/offshore fisheries were developed for
use in the spatial planning process to balance biodiversity conservation and sustainable
fisheries use.
In partnership with the WWF and the National Protected Areas Committee, a consultancy has
been issued to explore options for the sustainable financing of marine protected areas (MPAs)
in Fiji. The key objectives of the study are to: (i) develop cost model for estimate the cost of
implementing/managing MPAs in the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape, Great Sea Reef and Lau Seascape in
Fiji; (ii) estimate what the cost of running a national network of MPAs would be; and (iii)
identify existing and potential sources of long-term sustainable financing for a national network
of marine and terrestrial protected areas, and their feasibility. The study was endorsed by the
national Protected Areas Committee in May 2015, and was supported by other government,
provincial and NGO stakeholders. This work will be completed in mid-2016.
LINKS TO NATIONAL PRIORITIES:
NBSAP Implementation Plan Thematic Area 6 (Protected Areas), Strategy 1: Identify gaps in
biodiversity protection against national targets. Strategy 2: Expand protected area network in
priority sites at the national level and provincial level to achieve national targets. Green Growth
Framework Thematic Area 3 (Sustainable Island and Ocean Resources): (i) develop a natural
resource management system which is inclusive and integrated, and continue capacity building;
(ii) establish deepwater MPAs targeting 30% of offshore areas by 2020.
First spatial planning workshop for the Vatu-i-Ra Seascape. ©Dwain Qalovaki/WCS
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