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The Fiji Islands is a country rich in marine biodiversity. Fiji is also home to a large Indigenous population with a powerful heritage which is culturally and spiritually connected with the ocean. Many Indigenous people continue to live a largely traditional lifestyle adhering to customary laws and practices. The fisheries sector is a significant contributor to both the national economy and local livelihoods. Therefore, marine resources must be sustainably managed to care for the ecosystems and also the livelihoods which depend upon them. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an important management tool for Fiji in the quest to protect its inshore and offshore ocean environment.

The main goal of the project is to improve the planning and management of coastal resources in Fiji using an integrated approach, with the Coral Coast of Nadroga Province serving as a pilot site. Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is a process that involves the integration (working together) between sectors at both the local and national levels and also between different levels of government. ICM helps solve problems. This initiative worked at both levels. At the local level the Coral Coast site serves to demonstrate and test strategies such as the development of an ICM action strategy.At the national level a National ICM Committee was established to advise and learn from the Coral Coast demonstration site and to act as a forum for the discussion of priority coastal issues. Building capacity to improve coastal planning within selected provincial and government entities was also a priority.

Country profiles on the state of coral reefs systems in the Pacific

This book describes the 14 sites in Fiji which are of global importance for bird conservation. These important bird areas are priorities for conserving the natural heritage of Fiji for future generations. Fiji's rich natural heritage includes 11 threatened bird species and 27 endemic bird species which occur in no other country. This book updates the status and conservation needs of all of these special birds.