Illegal trafficking of Fiji’s endangered crested iguanas remains one of the country’s most pressing biodiversity threats, the Environment Ministry has warned, as new national consultations opened this week on a strategy to protect the nation’s unique species.
Fiji is home to more than 1600 species of vascular plants, over half found nowhere else and reefs that support more than 300 coral species and nearly 1200 species of reef fish.
Speaking at the opening of the National Dialogue on the Zero Draft of the revised Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Director for Environment Senimili Nakora said the numbers were not just statistics.
“They represent livelihoods, food, security, natural medicine, cultural identity, and protection from storms,” she said.
Among the most threatened species are the crested iguana (Brachylophus spp), found only in Fiji but increasingly targeted by wildlife traffickers.
“These creatures are a symbol of Fiji’s natural identity.
“If we cannot protect species unique to our islands, we risk losing a piece of Fiji itself.”
The Zero Draft NBSAP outlines measures including habitat protection, community engagement and stronger enforcement.
Conservation groups such as NatureFiji-MareqetiViti are working with government to monitor populations and increase public awareness.
Ms Nakora urged all sectors to play their part, from landowners conserving forests to fishers respecting taboo areas and youth learning the value of conservation.
