In a landmark declaration, the communities of Nadogo District representing 22 traditional tribes (yavusas), united to declare Nukuvadra and Katawaqa islands as community protected areas and turtle sanctuaries.
Nadogo District Leads the Way in Turtle Conservation and Marine Protection
Dive into the heart of Fiji’s conservation movement! Witness the historic declaration that unites 22 tribes of Nadogo District in the Macuata Province, to protect Nukuvadra (Map) and Katawaqa (Map) islands as community protected areas and turtle sanctuaries. This monumental effort is a beacon of hope for critically endangered hawksbill turtles, facing the challenges of climate change.
General Area (Map)
Explore the power of community-led conservation, the deep connection between these communities and their ancestral lands, and the invaluable knowledge shared by the guardians of these pristine ecosystems. Together, we can make a difference for these ancient mariners and marine resources.
Supported International Offices
This monumental achievement was supported by the WWF-Netherlands Office, the Bezos Earth Fund through WWF-US, and the Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN) initiative, in partnership with WWF-Australia and through WWF-Pacific’s Safeguarding Nesting Populations of Sea Turtles in Fiji project in partnership with WWF-UK that aims by 2026 nesting and foraging marine turtle populations are protected with increased nesting recorded in priority national sites here in 🇫🇯 ! Read the Full Article Here
FURTHER READING: For those interested in exploring this topic further, additional resources and in-depth materials are provided below when available; otherwise, no further reading is included at this time.:
REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
- Vafo’ou, R., Mr (2023, August 4). Conserving Hope: Nadogo District Declares Islands as Turtle Sanctuaries to Revive Endangered Populations. WWF Pacific. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from Link
- Vierus, T. (2023). Katawaqa island. One of two islands designated turtle sanctuaries by the Nadogo community [Photograph]. WWF Pacific. Link
- [WWF Pacific]. Nadogo District’s Historic Marine Protected Area & Turtle Sanctuary Declaration [Video]. Youtube. Link
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.