The traditional chiefs of the province of Lau have today endorsed a 12-year Lau Seascape Strategy to safeguard the rich but increasingly threatened natural resources of the Lau Province.

The traditional chiefs of the Lau province endorsed a 12-year Lau Seascape Strategy to safeguard the natural resources of the Lau Province.

Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Development Forum Ambassador Solo Mara says the chiefs have also gained the support of Conservation International and its partners including government, civil society, and key stakeholders.

Mara says the Lau fishing grounds are being targeted by illegal local and foreign fishing vessels and increased unplanned development is reducing the health of its resources.

He applauded the vision of the chiefs of Lau in embracing a holistic conservation platform to address the growing threats to their resources.

The strategy covers its 60 islands and its surrounding waters of 335,000sqkm, which makes up 26 % of Fiji’s exclusive economic zone.