Reddy Launches Wetlands Policy for the Conservation of our Coral Reefs
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy launched the wetlands policy in the conservation and management of our coral reefs at Mali district on Vorovoro Island, Macuata, yesterday.
Mr Reddy said the launch of the policy was in line with this year’s International Biodiversity Day theme: “Solutions are in Nature”
Mr Reddy said the solution was to maintain a healthy reef system based on how well we restore, conserve and protect the natural state of the coral reef ecosystem in Fiji.
Mr Reddy said coral reefs conservation offered solutions to economic growth through tourism and fisheries industries, provides research opportunities for taxonomic and pharmaceutical use, and maintains ecological functions from the ridge to oceans.
“Some of threats that affect our coral reef ecosystem include coastal and tourism developments that encroach into our ashore areas directly or indirectly,” Mr Reddy said. He said developments such as coastal reclamation, sand extraction for infrastructural developments, coral extraction for trade, pollution from land based activities, industrial inflows and climate change could have devastating effects to Fiji’s reef biodiversity, peoples livelihoods and food security if not regulated.
This new policy would be monitored and reviewed regularly.
Mr Reddy said the ministry under the Convention on Wetlands of international importance was committed to designate two additional Ramsar sites in the next two years. One would be the coral reef ecosystem. He said the policy on the conservation, and management of Fiji’s Coral Reefs (and associated ecosystems) would enhance our legislated mandate and the conservation of coral reefs across Fiji.
Launch of partnership with Vulcan Inc
Mr Reddy also announced the launch their partnership with Vulcan Inc.
Mr Reddy said the Department of Environment and Vulcan Inc would collaborate on the use of the Allen Coral Atlas in Fiji for the purpose of coral reef monitoring and management.
He said the Coral Atlas was a system developed by Vulcan Inc that used satellite imagery and coral reef data to generate detailed maps, images, notifications and other information on coral reefs.
The coral atlas tool combines high-resolution satellite imagery, machine learning and field data to produce globally.
By providing timely maps and monitoring technology, Mr Reddy said the goal was to help stakeholders ranging from local communities to regional and national governments to reach their conservation targets and improve management and monitoring of coral reefs. of