Providing the scientific and legal Evidence Base
Biodiversity assessments were undertaken by project partners following the site’s designation to be a prospective Ramsar site for wetlands. This provided scientific evidence on which to build the management plan on. National plans and policies relating to mangrove management in Fiji were also reviewed to feed in to the development of an adequate management plan.
- Availability of data in the literature, from local and national authorities
- Qualified technical staff to analyze results from scientific monitoring on biodiversity and livelihoods and assessment of existing national policies and regulations
Involvement of all stakeholders in the assessments is important (University staff, Dept. of Forestry staff, NGO staff, Dept. of Fisheries Staff, IUCN and villagers (as guides and support).
In order to provide the legal basis on which to develop the management plan, a better understanding of the traditional governance system and how it fits into formal (national Government) management system is vital. For example, mangroves in Fiji belong to the state, however, Nasoata Island belongs to the villagers of Nakorovou (freehold land). This understanding is best acquired through a proper consultation process, see (2). This includes the need for prior understanding of community dynamics, including community structure, land ownership, village conflicts and tenure conflicts.