Navutulevu marine conservation site launched

Navutulevu Village in Serua has officially launched a new marine conservation site aimed at safeguarding vulnerable marine species while bolstering sustainable fisheries and community livelihoods. The initiative was inaugurated by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, who also opened a two-day training program focused on giant clam farming and marine conservation.

The program, held from August 12 to 13, will support the conservation and cultivation of key marine resources, including giant clams, black-lip oysters, and sea cucumbers. Beyond direct conservation, the project seeks to generate opportunities in reef restoration, ecotourism, and the aquarium trade, fostering economic benefits alongside environmental protection.

Navutulevu Village has been recognized as a Model Community Site, and Tavarua Island Resort has been designated a Model Hotel Site under this initiative. These designations are expected to serve as benchmarks for similar conservation and aquaculture endeavors throughout Fiji. The project aligns with the Fiji Aquaculture Development Plan 2024–2028, with lessons learned from these model sites intended to inform and guide future conservation strategies across the nation.

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The initiative will support the conservation and farming of giant clams, black-lip oysters and sea cucumbers, while creating opportunities for reef restoration, ecotourism and aquarium trade exports.