Location

Cakaulevu, Fiji

The Great Sea Reef, locally known as Cakaulevu, has been central for lives in Fiji. It is located off the northern shore of the island of Vanua Levu. It is the third longest continuous barrier reef in the world. The survey of the Great Sea Reef has revealed that it houses a diverse marine population, including mangroves and endemic fish.

 

Issue

Climate change impacts on coral reefs

In Fiji, approximately 40% of the population depends on coral reefs for its food and livelihood. Coral reefs also act as a natural barrier, protecting communities from flooding and providing a rich ecosystem. However, due to overfishing, as well as coral bleaching and acidification caused by climate change, coral reefs have been damaged, and their natural and economic productivity has been declining. The Fijian government had implemented policies such as placing a certain premium on coral reef protection, but this trend was not halted.

 

Solution / Lesson learned

Program for growth and regeneration of coral reefs

In response to this situation, the Great Sea Reef Resilience Program was implemented, led by WWF, with the goal of keeping the Cakaulevu and coastal ecosystems healthy and resilient in a changing climate. The following were implemented. First, a comprehensive land and marine use plan, including the prevention of overfishing, was established, considering climate change projections. Second, incentives were strengthened to encourage more activities for ecosystem conservation and restoration while utilizing the existing financial system. Furthermore, measures were strengthened to deal with pollution caused by waste. These measures complemented existing government policies and helped to halt the degradation of coral reefs in Fiji to a certain extent. Of particular importance in this effort was the incentive package, which resulted in the growth of green and blue businesses in Fiji and strengthened private sector adaptation efforts.