Funding Gaps Threaten Fiji's Conservation Goals

Fiji's ambitious biodiversity and marine conservation targets for 2030 are under threat due to mounting funding challenges, according to the Ministry of Environment. Principal Environment Officer Krishneel Nand identified limited financial resources as a primary obstacle to implementing conservation programs and meeting biodiversity goals.

Nand stressed the urgent need for increased financial backing to support critical areas such as ecosystem restoration, the protection of endangered species, and robust monitoring and enforcement activities. "So, biodiversity conservation not only requires awareness, it requires funding," Nand stated, emphasizing that the Ministry is actively seeking support from development partners and donors to finance the implementation of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSEP).

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So, biodiversity conservation not only requires awareness, it requires funding. We are tapping into our partners and donors to finance the implementation of our goals and targets under the NBSEP.

Discussions have also highlighted specific species requiring protection at both international and regional levels, with Nand confirming the Ministry is enhancing protective measures for sharks, turtles, and other vulnerable wildlife. The Ministry is relying on external support to implement its newly launched National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

Izhaar Ali, Head of Partnerships and Programme Development at the World Wide Fund, noted that oceans remain vulnerable to climate change and human activities. He expressed hope that "blue corridors" could bolster Fiji's conservation efforts and contribute to the nation's "30 by 30" targets, which aim to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Ali also called for greater regional cooperation and intensified conservation initiatives to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.

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Well, firstly, we hope that the blue corridors would be able to support Fiji’s NBSEP, or the revised NBSEP that Francis and many of you in the room have been working on. It would be a dedicated protected site, and thus,s we hope that it contributes to Fiji’s 30 by 30 targets.