Vatu-i-ra World Heritage Seascape
The Vatu-i-Ra reefs are recognized by marine experts as globally outstanding in respect to their biodiversity; however, coastal degradation and foreign fishing pressure threaten the health and very existence of this ecosystem. A large portion of the region has been nominated for World Heritage status in order to further conservation measures that will eliminate or reduce open ocean threats to the seascape, bring international attention to the site through tourism, and to promote efforts to protect and manage its biodiversity and resources for the people of Fiji. This is an appropriate response, as the number one priority for marine conservation is to begin to set-up large, representative ocean reserves which would act as source pools and refuges for marine life. Ideally, these reserves will be connected through currents, migration pathways, and geography. The whole idea of “connectivity” is of utmost importance in the oceanic realm, as the consequences of destruction of marine ecosystems in one part of the world are inevitably felt in other, even quite distant, waters.
The Wildlife Conservation Society South Pacific Program (WCS) has procured seed funding for the establishment of the World Heritage “Seascape” from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation -- $1.2 million over two years beginning February 2005. These funds provide for the development of a management plan, the engagement of local communities and government, and the beginning of the intensive scientific surveys which are needed to effectively zone and monitor the seascape. The long-term goal is to facilitate a shift of the marine ecosystem of the Seascape back towards its “natural” state (i.e., natural range of variation of biodiversity & ecological features) and to enhance the resiliency of the ecosystem to disturbance by conserving functionally intact marine communities.
NAI'A and her owners and operators, Rob Barrel and Cat Holloway, have been the primary instigators of this effort to protect the Seascape. NAI'A is uniquely equipped to undertake scientific studies in the area due to the experience and knowledge of the owners and crew and the size and functionality of the vessel. Furthermore, the more direct involvement of NAI'A will serve to attract and accommodate other prominent researchers in Fiji to assist with the project. Because of the economic constraints, NAI'A has not been able to pursue scientific research on a large scale. WCS is now attempting to obtain funding to charter NAI'A to achieve research objectives set forth in the original project proposal for the Seascape.
Linda Farley
WCS South Pacific Program
