From UQ Reef Science To National Action In Fiji

University of Queensland research identifying some of the world’s most climate-resilient coral reefs formed a foundation for international investment behind a new plan to protect Fiji’s reefs.

Fiji has launched its National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation in Nadi during Pre-COP, a climate meeting co-hosted by Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia.

Coral reefs support an estimated quarter of all marine species for Pacific Island nations, including more than 1,000 reef-associated fish species.

Reefs also underpin livelihoods, food security, cultural identity, economic prosperity and sovereignty but are under increasing pressure from climate change, unsustainable fishing, pollution and coastal habitat degradation.

Fiji Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, said protecting Fiji’s reefs was fundamental to protecting the country’s people, economy and future.

“For Fiji, coral reefs are not only an environmental asset, but they are part of our food security, our livelihoods, our culture and our protection against the growing impacts of climate change,” Dr Michael said.

“This National Action Plan strengthens Fiji’s commitment to ensuring our reefs remain healthy and resilient for future generations, while demonstrating that protecting our ocean must remain at the heart of global climate action.”

The Plan incorporates scientific research from a range of partners and outlines a whole-of-country approach to protection by prioritising research, education, communication, capacity development and sustainable financing.

UQ-led analysis identified reefs with comparatively low exposure to climate stress because of local oceanographic conditions, such as currents.

UQ Emeritus Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg AC said Fiji’s approach demonstrated how governments could respond to the accelerating effects of climate change.

“I have watched the climate crisis accelerate for over 3 decades, and it is heartening to see countries such as Fiji navigating their way through this by committing to national plans for their reefs,” Emeritus Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said.

“Fiji is rightly using this moment on the world stage to show how climate change is affecting everyday life for its people, and how government is tackling it head-on.”

Fiji’s plan was developed through the country’s National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation, supported by the US$7 million Global Environment Facility (GEF) Coral Reef Rescue Project.

It works with local partners across 6 countries and draws on traditional ecological knowledge to support climate-resilient reefs.

Its focal areas in Fiji include the Great Sea Reef Seascape, Vatu-i-Ra Seascape and Somosomo Strait.

Speaking on behalf of GEF project partners in Fiji, Melissa Tipping, Head of UQ International Development said the launch of the National Action Plan represented a transition from science to finance, to action.

“Fiji’s leadership provides a strong example of what can be achieved when national priorities are supported by science, partnership and investment,” Ms Tipping said.

“The launch of the National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation shows how university research can move beyond identifying environmental challenges to help governments and communities respond, connecting global coral reef science with national policy and locally led conservation.”

Collaboration and acknowledgements

The development of Fiji’s National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation was facilitated by the Wildlife Conservation Society in Fiji, with work funded through the Global Environment Facility’s Coral Reef Rescue Project, which is implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF GEF Agency) and UQ International Development.