Lead country
Fiji
Participating countries
Fiji
Project status
Under implementation
Implementing period
From May 16, 2018 to May 16, 2023
Project ID: 5589
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Technical team
- Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme
Technical area(s)
- Ecosystem management and restoration
- Strengthening conservation areas
Sub-area(s)
- Ecosystem-based mitigation
- Wildlife conservation
Landscape(s)
- Conserved areas
- Marine
Sub-landscape(s)
- Marine and coastal protected areas
- Terrestrial protected areas
- Large marine ecosystem
Transformed sector(s)
- Aquaculture
- Agriculture
- Tourism
UNDP role(s)
- Capacity development / Technical assistance
- Convening / Partnerships / Knowledge Sharing
- Data collection and analysis
Strategy
- Management operation
- Governance
- Capacity building
Sub-strategy
- Integrated coastal zone management
- Invasive and alien species (IAS)
- Wildlife and habitat conservation
- Institutional framework
- Surveillance & Compliance
- Laws enforcement/ Regulation
- Awareness raising
- Ecological monitoring
Social inclusion
- Private sector
- Local community/CSOs
Gender equality
N/A
Gender result effectiveness scale
- Gender targeted
Pathway(s)
- Systems pathway
- People pathway
Risk reduction target(s)
- Hazard control/mitigation
SDG target(s)
- 15.8 Prevent, mitigate, eradicate invasive alien species
- 15.5 Reduce habitat degradation, halt biodiversity loss, extinction
Conventions and protocols
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
Private sector(s)
- Individuals/Entrepreneurs
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
Hot topic
- SIDS
About this project
Description
Invasive alien species (IAS) are the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Pacific Islands. Numerous IAS have been introduced to Fiji, with significant impacts on natural landscapes and biodiversity. The recent introduction of Giant Invasive Iguana – GII (Iguana iguana) – to Fiji represents the first established population of this species in the Pacific and is a potential bridgehead to some of the world's most isolated island ecosystems. GII have already caused harm throughout the Caribbean where they are spreading fast and have significant detrimental effects, including on native biodiversity, agriculture and tourism. Although there are several national and local-level initiatives to address IAS in Fiji, these efforts, lack adequate capacity and an overall comprehensive strategy to ensure a systematic and effective protection of biodiversity-rich and important areas. An effective, systematic and comprehensive eradication effort against GII, before populations grow beyond the point where they can be controlled is currently lacking and urgently needed. The preferred solution requires a suite of preventative measures to reduce IAS incursion and establishment, that will be introduced by this project, including: (i) Strengthened IAS policy, institutions and coordination at the national level to reduce the risk of IAS entering Fiji, including a comprehensive multi-sectorial coordination mechanism to ensure the best possible use of resources and capacities for prevention, management, eradication, awareness and restoration, and capacity building of biosecurity staff; (ii) Improved IAS prevention and surveillance operations at the island level on Taveuni, Qamea, Matagi and Laucala to reduce potential for pest species to enter and establish within the four-island group and move between these islands; (iii) Implementation of a comprehensive eradication plan for GII based on comprehensive survey and public outreach on Taveuni and an increase in removal effort of GII on the islands of Qamea, Matagi, and Laucala; and (iv) Strengthened knowledge management and awareness raising that targets the general public, tour operations and visitors, so as to safeguard the nation from IAS.
Objectives
To improve the chances of the long-term survival of terrestrial endemic and threatened species on Taveuni Island, surrounding islets and throughout Fiji by building national and local capacity to manage Invasive Alien Species.
USD $3,652,968
Grant amount
USD $26,864,514
Leveraged amount (co-financing)
1
Source(s) of fund
Sources of fund
- Global Environment Facility – Trust Fund ($3,652,968)
Implementing partner(s)
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji
Project metrics
Related resources
Geospatial information
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Project reports and documentation