The Cabinet has approved the nomination of a significant portion of the Great Sea Reef to be declared a RAMSAR site.
A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention or the Convention on Wetlands.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama revealed this yesterday, during the launching of the 2018 International Year of the Reef.
The significant portion that will be under the declaration is approximately over 1,000 square kilometres and falls under the ownership of the Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Bainimarama says this recognition will ensure the proper management and protection of the great sea reef for the future generation.
Ratu Katonivere says they have waited for five years for this to happen.
“The work for Ramsar recognition started in 2010. We had to adhere to all that requirements. It took us quite a while and eventually today, can say we have achieved something that is unique, in that sense of conservation.”
He also hopes other iQoliqoli owners in Fiji will follow in their footsteps as this will ensure the long-term sustainability of our reefs.
