Mr Silio Lalaqila Sustaining Biodiversity and Livelihoods in the Natewa Tunuloa Peninsula, Fiji

Contents Natewa Tunuloa Important Bird Area Sisi Initiative Site Support Group Achievements / Milestones Next Steps

Map of Fiji & the Project Site

Natewa Tunuloa Important Bird Area 1 of 14 Important Bird Areas in Fiji 176 sq km/17, 600 ha to an altitude of 832m 1 site endemic bird (Silktail – Lamprolia victoriae kleinschmidti ). 2 birds endemic to Vanua Levu (Red shinning parrot & Orange dove) Supports 21 species out of the 24 in Vanua Levu Landownership comprises 30+ clans residing in 15 villages (not including settlements) in two districts

Problems Faced by the Communities  Heavy rain, rivers overflow, banks get flooded resulting in runoff & floods in villages  Soil erosion which destroys crops  Runoff/muddy water destroying marine environment  Diminishing number of our totem bird ( Silktail) due to destruction of habitat through unsustainable logging

Management Actions Identified Participatory processes with communities identified the following actions:  Reduce run-off & soil erosion so we can have better crop yield  Increase number of birds by improving their habitats  Provision of alternative livelihood for communities – less pressure is put on forests

Sisi Initiative Site Support Group  Established in 2005  14 members (men, women, youth)  Governance Structure with an Active Committee (Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer)  Roles  Monitor conservation actions within the IBA  Progress of the livelihood projects  Updates to the District & Provincial Council meetings  Reporting to BirdLife International on activities completed Communities agreed to establish a conservation group to lead on management actions:

Activities Undertaken at IBA  2005 – 2008Community consultations & meetings in 15 villages at IBA Presentations at district & provincial council meetings  2008Government Stakeholder consultations with communities  2009Signing of Memorandum of Understand for 6villages/11 clans (for protection of forests) Drafting of Management Plan  2010Start-Your-Business Training Livelihoods Project Training Fundraising & Proposal Writing Training Participatory Land Use Planning  2011Awarded a GEF-SGP Grant  2012Ecotourism Project Consultation 2 Sandalwood & native tree nurseries completed  2012Equator Prize Winner

Results & Impacts

Challenges Not all projects have been successful. Sisi Initiative regularly monitors progress and have identified problems such as: – Lack of understanding and support from communities – Information, advice and Capacity Building – Need for research partner – More support from government – Lack of funds – Project team lose interest – no regular demand for product

Key Achievements Equator Initiative Award in Rio (June 2012) Been recognized locally as locals taking the lead on conservation work in Natewa Tunuloa IBA receiving more grants to extend work in the entire Natewa Tunuloa Landscape (from the Satoyama Initiative COMDEKS Programme)

Lessons Learned Communication/Networking with Communities & Government is critical – bottom up approach – Participatory Approach Education/Capacity Building Livelihoods Protected Area Status

Next Steps Link with national & international Support Groups to share lessons learnt & success stories Work with Fiji Government to fully implement the Satoyama Initiative COMDEKS Programme

Acknowledgement Government of Fiji through the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs – Cakaudrove Provincial Council BirdLife International NatureFiji – MareqetiViti GEF Small Grants Programme Darwin Initiative Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Regional Natural Heritage Programme

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