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The conservation of marine turtles in Fiji is a sensitive issue as the species is considered a 'cultural icon' - one which is usually presented to add prestige to traditional ceremonies. Once a resource reserved for those of noble rank, and to be caught only by traditional fishermen, the advent of modern fishing technology, inter alia, has hastened the decline of this species in local waters. Fiji continues to be committed to the conservation of these animals, through acts such as the 10 year Moratorium (2009 - 2018) that protects turtles nationally and being a signatory to international conventions such as the CBD.

The coastal component of the International Waters Programme (IWP) aims to address root causes of the degradation of international waters in coastal regions by implementing projects on improved coastal and watershed management. It will support action at community level to identify priority environmental concerns (PECs) relating to marine and freshwater quality, habitat and community modification and degradation and unsustainable use of living marine resources. Once a priority environmental concern PEC is identified, IWP will implement a pilot project in each of the participating country in any one of its four focal areas