Viti Levu Conservation Corridor

The forests of Viti Levu are under pressure from logging and conversion to agriculture, threatening the economy, people’s livelihoods, and local identity. There is limited knowledge about the range, spread and variation of plant and animal species in these areas, so their protection and connection are key conservation outcomes (Olson et al., 2010). The Sovi Basin is one of Viti Levu’s main sources of fresh water, and provides habitat for diverse, endemic, and globally threatened species, such as the Fiji long legged warbler, Fiji crested iguana, the pink bill parrot finch, and red throated lorikeet (Conservation International, 2018). 

Conservation International and Fiji Water Foundation have partnered to fund an initial project connecting the Sovi Basin, Yaqara Valley, Nakauvadra and Nakorotubu Range. Included in the project are reforestation outcomes, as well as key conservation outcomes for plants including the near threatened species Fagraea gracilipes and the endemic Podocarpus affinis. 

Drawing upon research and local community capacity, the Sovi Basin is leased from landowners in a manner that fosters conservation and biodiversity outcomes while also delivering economic and social benefits. Crafted through consultation with Indigenous communities, alongside other stakeholders, this approach ensures that Indigenous groups retain access to protected areas for traditional food gathering and fishing (Conservation International, 2018).