FELA attends the Commemoration of World Wetlands Day – Pacific Harbour /Upper Navua Area March 8th to 9th
Take Pictures and Memories but Leave Only Your Footprints Behind :
By : FELA Coordinator : Kiji Vukikomoala
Colonel Samuela Saumatua, Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment launched wetlands awareness materials as part of the commemoration of World Wetlands Day which was observed internationally on February 2nd 2012. The Minister highlighted the importance of the protection of wetlands in Fiji to the conservation of wildlife, and biodiversity as well the added benefits to the tourism industry, the economy and short and long term benefits to the people of Fiji.
Fiji became a party to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the RAMSAR Convention in 2006 and offered the Upper Navua Area to be listed as Fiji’s first and only wetland of national importance and official RAMSAR site. The RAMSAR Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Negotiated through the 1960s by countries and non-governmental organizations that were concerned at the increasing loss and degradation of wetland habitat for migratory water birds, the treaty was adopted in the Iranian city of RAMSAR in 1971 and came into force in 1975. It is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem, and the Convention’s member countries cover all geographic regions of the planet.[1]
This year RAMSAR focuses on the theme Wetland Tourism: A Great Experience and highlights wetlands all over the world as a significant tourist attraction. RAMSAR’s Secretary General, Anada Tiéga, stressed that this year’s theme is the “opportunity to focus on key stakeholders who can help to ensure that tourism in wetlands is sustainable and that any tourism development in and around wetlands in the future is carried out following RAMSAR’s principles of wise use.”
The Department of Environment has included the theme “Wetlands: Our Hidden Treasure” as part of its awareness campaign this year. During the launch, the Department of Environment exhibited wetlands awareness materials which included the wetland electronic interactive booklet[2], pocket booklet for wetland species in Fiji, stickers with information on the importance of mangroves for school children, and t-shirts.
In its bid to raise awareness and promote sustainable tourism, Rivers Fiji hosted participants of the launch to a day visit to bear witness to the breathtaking beauty of the upper Navua area and experience a 5 hour, white water rafting adventure down 25km of the Navua River.
The Upper Navua conservation area RAMSAR site no 1612, located in the province of Serua has a total surface area of 615 hectares. The trip started with an hour and 45 minute bus ride on some difficult terrain to reach the top of the conservation area. It was reported that Rivers Fiji invested over FJD$100,000 to improve the road conditions leading up to the conservation area which has provided better accessibility for nearby villages.
After a light snack of delicious homemade banana bread and juice, participants were given life jackets, helmets and paddles before embarking on a short but steep trek to the top of the river. 9 boats went down the river carefully guided by highly trained guides employed from the nearby villages. Midway down river, participants stopped for lunch provided by Rivers Fiji before continuing down one of the most beautiful sights in Fiji.
The Upper Navua River cuts a gorge in the central highlands of Viti Levu and the waters home to at least two endemic freshwater fish species (Redigibius leveri and Schismatogobius chrysonotus). The surrounding forests host important fauna and flora including the endemic and critically endangered sago palm and 17 species of endemic birds.
The land is owned by 17 Mataqalis (Traditional families) and managed by the Native Land Trust Board. The land has been leased to Rivers Fiji, an ecotourism and rafting venture which is designing training and education programs, among other efforts, in order to develop sustainable ecotourism further. The Upper Navua area although pristine and relatively untouched is threatened by nearby logging activities which is evident in floating logging debris in certain parts of the river.
Fairly evident throughout the trip was the level of investment by Rivers Fiji and its commitment to the preservation of the natural environment. Rivers Fiji employs its guides from the nearby villages and put them through specialized training in river rafting and first aid. Visitors are free to take memories and pictures but footprints are the only things they can leave behind.
The site visit covered by Fiji TV will air as a Talk Business Program shortly. The Fiji Environmental Law Association intends to conduct a CLE Seminar on the RAMSAR Convention and share its experiences on this trip later this year.
