UNDP signs conditions agreement under the “Fiji Reef to Ridge project” with new partners today

With an intention to maintain and enhance Fiji’s ecosystem through integrated approaches to land, water, forest biodiversity and coastal resource management, the United Nations Development Program has signed the conditions agreement under the “Fiji Reef to Ridge project” with their new partners today.

This will contribute to poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.

UNDP Country Director Burkodir Bukhanov says these new partners consisted of the World Wide Fund for Nature, Pacific Islands Rainforest Foundation, University of the South Pacific - Institute of Applied Science and Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas Network.

Bukhanov says that this is a very important milestone and one of the biggest and expensive partnership endeavors that their office has attempted.

He also stated that under the Fiji Ridge to Reef project there is 6 focus catchment areas designated in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Waidina river and the Rewa river for the Central Division, Ba and Tuva River for the Western Division and Labasa, Vunivia and Tunuloa River for the Northern Division.

He says that this project promotes multi-focal approach with issues aiming to address national priorities of the Pacific Island countries while also doing global environmental benefits.

The project will also assist protective areas and fresh water esturians and marine resources management actions.

Dr Bibhya Nand Sharma the Dean for the Faculty of Science at the University of the South Pacific says that this partnership will help them in their Marine and Environmental Science Departments through enhancing their knowledge for the protection of marine and land resources.

Bukhanov says that they will continue to work in a well coordinated manner and learn from each other and support each other in the course of this projects.

He highlighted that the United Nation Development Program stands very much ready to support in realizing the goals of Ridge to Reef  philosophy which aims at achieving better terrestrial fresh water and marine habitats and food security and environmental protections for Fiji’s ecosystem.