Safeguarding coral reefs | New hub to protect system that boasts 1075 fish species

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The Wildlife Conservation Society in collaboration with WWF and the Ministry of Environment, launched Fiji’s National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation at the Peninsula Hotel in Suva last month. Picture: SUPPLIED

A significant step towards the safeguarding of Fiji’s coral reefs was taken with the recent launch of the Fiji National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation (NHCRC).

The launch was jointly done by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Wildlife Conservation Society.

The new hub was launched to protect Fiji’s coral reef systems which covers 4550 square kilometres and boasts 1075 species of fish.

While launching the NHCRC, permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael highlighted the urgent need for co-ordinated and comprehensive action to protect these vulnerable systems.

“The NHCRC represents a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing that will guide conservation decisions across all levels,” said Dr Michael.

“The hub will serve as a national co-ordination and advisory committee consisting of experts, decision-makers, and community representatives.”

He said the hub also aligned with Fiji’s national strategies, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), National Ocean Policy (NOP) 2020-2030, and the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP) 2020-2025.

“The Fiji National Hub will play a crucial role in operationalising these policies by facilitating knowledge exchange, building technical expertise, and supporting community-led adaptation initiatives.

“This is a hub for all of Fiji. The hub will comprise representatives from every sector: CSOs, NGOs, academia, the private sector, government bodies, local communities, indigenous groups, and our international partners.”

The NHCRC would be positioned under the National Ocean Policy Steering Committee (NOPSC) and report to the National Climate Change Coordination Committee (NCCCC).

It would ensure a seamless alignment with Fiji’s national sustainability and climate action goals.

This integrated approach ensures the hub’s activities are directly relevant to Fiji’s broader development objectives.