Research and Development

Our Research and Development programs provide information, training, and other resources to assist local communities in developing and implementing resource management plans and creating sustainable economic opportunities. Our programs include:

o Documenting Fiji's diverse fauna and flora and traditional ecological knowledge of it;

o Monitoring reef resources and environmental parameters and providing information, training and assistance to support local management and monitoring efforts;

o Investigating reef fish movement and habitat utilization patterns;

o Ecosystem restoration - coral and mangrove planting, improving land-use practices;







o Development of village plantations to improve food supply and provide economic opportunities;

o Development of locally-operated, sustainable tourism products based around local resources and featuring their natural and cultural history; and

o Assisting with efforts to improve village water supplies and waste disposal.

Our programs would not be possible if it were not for the interest and active participation of Traditional Chiefs, leaders, and local community members in research and development activities.

Assistance, funding, equipment, and other support for the above programs has been generously provided by the Australian Regional Natural Heritage Program, Florida Museum of Natural History, Marine Protected Areas Science Institute, Mike's Divers, NOAA International Coral Reef Program, PADI Foundation, and the University of the South Pacific.