Home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals, the highlands of the mountainous volcanic island of Ovalau are part of Fiji’s key biodiversity areas, with forests of high conservation value.
And according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Ovalau’s marine ecoregion is also of global significance where humpback whales, dolphins, and five species of sharks have been recorded.
Ovalau launched its Ecosystem-based Management (EBM) Plan last Friday, marking a commitment to come together as an island to manage their terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems sustainably so it can continue to provide for their livelihoods and that of their future generations.
According to the WCS, it had conducted various biological monitoring surveys before penning the EBM plan on behalf of the Ovalau Island Natural Resource Management Committee, which it said would lead its implementation.
WCS Community Engagement Coordinator Akanisi Caginitoba said village elders and community members had identified approaches to address threats.
She said that included the establishment of management rules and protected areas to ensure the sustainable management of the island’s natural resources.
Ms Caginitoba said the EBM plan would address issues relating to food security, forest degradation, climate adaptation, health, and well-being, as well as environmental protection.
She acknowledged their stakeholders, including Lomaiviti Provincial Council, Department of Heritage and Arts, Fiji Museum, Levuka Town Council, Levuka Tourism and Hoteliers Association, Pacific Fishing Company Limited, Fiji Kava, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, iTaukei Land Trust Board, iTaukei Lands, and Fisheries Commission, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and the Ministry of Waterways and Environment.
