Conservation International Fiji

🌏🐢 Turtle Conservation Workshop – Fiji

Conservation International was honoured to join the Ministry of Fisheries and partners in advancing Fiji’s national turtle conservation agenda. Applauding the Ministry’s leadership, whose commitment continues to guide the protection of one of Fiji’s most iconic marine species.

Ms. Nanise Kuridrani, the Director Fisheries emphasized: “The Ministry of Fisheries continues to implement measures such as turtle harvesting bans and seasonal protections while strengthening enforcement and supporting community-based conservation initiatives.” Her words reflect the Government’s steadfast role in safeguarding marine biodiversity and cultural heritage.

We also acknowledge the tireless work of NGO partners—including WWF-Pacific, WCS-Fiji, Ika Bula Consultants, and others—whose advocacy and collaboration ensure that conservation efforts are embedded in science, strengthened by community voices, and sustained through partnerships.

Impact of the Two Sessions

• Validation of the National Sea Turtle Monitoring Protocol (SOP), creating a unified framework for data collection, intellectual attribution and reporting.

• Review of Priority Maps that identify critical turtle habitats, ensuring resources are directed where they matter most.

• Strengthened partnerships between government, NGOs, and communities, laying the foundation for long-term resilience.

Together, these outcomes mark a turning point in Fiji’s ability to protect turtles (vonu), enhance marine ecosystem health, and secure the livelihoods and cultural identity of coastal communities for generations to come.

Ministry of Fisheries, Fiji WWF Pacific WCS-Fiji Ika Bula Consultants

This week Conservation International Pacific Leaders, converged on Yadua, Sigatoka in Fiji, to take a bow to FY 26 and setting the scene for the new financial year.

Against the backdrop of continuous disruption and bearish global financial commitment to conservation. We dived in, with resilience, continued impact against resource constraints, topical on the agenda.

The passion for the work we do came through strongly and our momentum in partnerships for donor, government and customary synergies, drove the ambition to consistently lead and innovate conservation in the region.

At the end of the 2 days our alignment and pulse check spoke to reality and we looked at our regional effort holistically to understand the strength of the pieces on the board and the strategy to move in the direction, where people in our communities and their environment can continue to thrive.

Ngayuku tjanu ngunytjaku, Vinaka, Ngā mihi, Oléti, Ke kmal mesaul / Sulang, Fa’afetai to all our leaders and we look forward with hope to FY27.

Our mantra holding true, HOPE is here to stay

MANGROVE CONSERVATION FINDS NEW ROOTS IN PUBLICATIONS

SUVA, Fiji — A landmark moment for coastal conservation unfolded yesterday as Conservation International Fiji, in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry, Fiji, unveiled two groundbreaking publications: the 2025 National Mangrove Boundary Refinement and Validation Report and the Fiji Mangrove Resilience Guideline.

The launch was officiated by the Honourable Alitia Bainivalu MP, Minister of Fisheries and Forests, and attended by Sameera Patoor-Brah, First Secretary (Infrastructure) at the Australian High Commission, Fiji underscoring the strength of regional and international collaboration in advancing Fiji’s climate goals.

In her keynote, Minister Alitia Bainivalu emphasized the critical role of mangroves: “Fiji’s forests, particularly our vital mangrove ecosystems, are the lungs of our coastlines and the guardians of our future.”

The publications were made possible through the leadership of Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. Saimoni Tauvoli and Conservator of Forests Ms. Sanjana Lal, with generous support from the Government of Australia (DFAT).

Together, these tools mark a turning point in Fiji’s ability to safeguard its blue carbon wealth, strengthen climate resilience, and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities for generations to come.

The iTaukei Land Trust Board leans in for World Environment Day.

TLTB staff joined the Fiji CI Team at our Ra Project sites, getting their feet in the mud to commemorate World Environment Day. They participated in two activities, one team planting more than 1000 tree seedlings up at the Nayaulevu and Nanukuloa ridges, with approximately 2330 mangrove seedings down at the Barotu coast.

Our Ra project sites host both the Blue Carbon and KIWA RESTORE initiatives, which are managed directly by our on-site team. Which through project partnership brings community led conservation, coupled with Conservation International specialists and global technical expertise to bear. This dynamic synergy are ingredients to continued sustainable impact in Navitilevu Bay.

The approach is a nod to the ecosystems connection between land and sea, also emphasizing Conservation International’s ambition to help people and nature thrive.

This strategy drives our ambition to be a regional and global leader in environmental protection.

We would like to thank the Barotu community for their support and commitment to our partnership. Welcoming TLTB to our collective aspiration in partnerships that pave the way to sustainable impact.

The message rings clear and true.

HOPE is here to stay.

ITaukei Land Trust Board Conservation International Pacific Islands

Exploring Pathways to World Heritage Recognition for the Lau Seascape

This week Conservation International Fiji joined representatives from the Department of Culture, Heritage & Arts, Fiji Museum, and the National Trust of Fiji Islands to proceed the talanoa on the UNESCO World Heritage framework and the potential of nominating sites within the Lau Seascape.

The Director for Culture & Heritage, Mr. Sipiriano Nemani, who provided a comprehensive overview of the criteria and processes involved in registering sites under the UNESCO World Heritage List. The discussion highlighted both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with such recognition, particularly in safeguarding Fiji’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Participants exchanged insights on the significance of the Lau Seascape. Its rich biodiversity, cultural landscapes, and deep traditional connections; and explored pathways for identifying sites that meet UNESCO’s criteria of Outstanding Universal Value.

This collaborative dialogue marks a positive step forward in strengthening partnerships and aligning efforts to protect and elevate Fiji’s heritage on the global stage.
Vinaka vakalevu, to all partners for the engaging discussion and shared commitment to preserving our vanua and ocean for future generations.

HOPE is here to stay.