SEASCAPE

Lau Seascape Strategy
2018–2030

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Copyright: © 2018 Conservation International
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without
prior written permission from the copyright holder provided that the source is fully acknowledged.
Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without priorwritten consent of the copyright owners.
Citation: Conservation International (2018) Lau Seascape Strategy: 2018−2030. Conservation
International, Suva, Fiji. 58 pp.
ISBN 978-982-98166-3-4

Photo credits: Mark Erdmann, Semisi Meo, Etika Rupeni Qica, Nick Macrae.
To obtain a copy of this plan, please contact:
Semisi Meo, Marine Manager, Conservation International, 3 Ma’afu Street, Suva.
Telephone: +679 3314593
Email: smeo@conservation.org
Conservation International
Fiji Country Program

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Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy
2018–2030

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Vuata Vatoa

We recognize the vision of the Masi ni Vanua o Lau – the forum of traditional chiefs – who havesupported the work of the representatives of the Yaubula Management Support Team from every island
across the Province of Lau. The Provincial Office, Roko Tui Lau and his able staff have also facilitated theprocess of developing this strategy, with firm support of the Masi in Vanua aspirations.
We are also indebted to our partners who have contributed enormously to the development of thesituation analysis that informs the conceptual models on which the strategy is built, checked andrationalised through the results chain assessments. This work would not have been possible without thecontributions of many stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations, academic
institutions, the private sector, and interested individuals including:
Ministry of Fisheries,
Ministry of iTaukei Affairs,
Ministry of Forests,
Department of Environment,
Pacific Blue Foundation,
Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network,
Marine Studies Programme of The University of the South Pacific,
Vatuvara Foundation,
Coral Reef Alliance,
Loving Islands,
Pacific Islands Development Forum,
Conservation International Birds Head Seascape members, Indonesia, and the support andcontributions from the Oceans Center in Arlington and the Asia Pacific Field Division.
The island communities and Masi ni Vanua of the Lau Seascape region.

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We appreciate your input and invaluable contributions to the development of the strategy and in defining
the pathway to fulfil the vision and activities into the next decade of the Lau Seascape Initiative.
Lau Seascape Initiative Partnership4Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

CONTENTS

Ketei Village (left) and Tovu Village (right), with Totoya jetty in the middle.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
THE STORY OF THE LAU SEASCAPELAU PROVINCE
GOVERNANCE OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN LAULAU SEASCAPE STRATEGYOur Vision
Our Targets
Targets Health
Critical Threats to Targets
Threat Reduction
SITUATION ANALYSISSELECTION OF STRATEGIESResults Chain
GOALS AND OBJECTIVESOUR ACTIONS AND WORKPLAN
OUR MONITORING PROGRAMMEADOPTING THE PLAN

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REFERENCES

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GLOSSARY
Appendix 1 – Overall Conceptual Model for the Lau SeascapeAppendix 2 – Overall Results Chain Assessment for the Lau SeascapeAppendix 3 – All Strategies with Associated Process Objectives and Indicators
Appendix 4 – Complete Monitoring Plan

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

North side of Totoya Island

Table 1: Targets
Table 2: Status of our Targets
Table 3: Current Status of Direct Threats
Table 4: Objectives of Threat Reductions
Table 5: Strategic Activities and Time Frame
Table 6: Process Indicators Associated with Strategy on“Good Governance and Natural Resource Management”

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Figure 1: Lau Seascape in the Pacific Ocean
Figure 2: Governance Structure Proposed by the Masi ni Vanua o Lau and YMST Representatives
Figure 3: Fiji’s Seascapes
Figure 4: Conceptual Model for Good Governance and Natural Resource Management
Figure 5: Result Chain Assessment for Good Governance and Natural
Resource Management

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Box 1: Lau Seascape at a GlanceBox 2: Lau Seascape Strategies
Box 3: Goals, Objectives of the Processes Associated with Good
Governance and Natural Resource Management

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

ABBREVIATIONS
EEZ
YMST
CI
LMMA
MPA
PA
SUMA
RAP
PIROP
IUU
WCS

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Exclusive Economic Zone
Yaubula Management Support Team
Conservation International
Locally Managed Marine Area
Marine protected area
Protected area
Special Unique Marine Areas
Rapid assessment survey
Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy
Illegal unreported unregulated fishing
Wildlife Conservation Society

A Coral Trout, Variola albimarginata, in Lau waters

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Lau Seascape initiative aims to build a coalition among government, the private sector, civilsocieties and local communities to improve natural resource governance in the Province of Lau andits surrounding waters. It focuses on both terrestrial and marine resource management and highlights
the importance of achieving effective governance across all sectors and at all levels: local, national andregional. It also provides a platform to apply integrated natural resource management across 335,895
square kilometres, or 26% of Fiji’s exclusive economic zone, from ridge to reef to ocean on small island
systems with high climate vulnerability.
Sustainable seascapes have three defining characteristics.
1.

Scope: There is a grounded understanding of the goals and needs of all relevant stakeholders andassociated threats, and a strategy that builds consensus around a set of balanced solutions andpartnerships.
Scale: The geographic scale is relevant to the identified goals and encompasses multiple levels ofgovernance, multiple uses and essential connectivity.
Commitment: The lead agency and partners are committed to engaging in the Lau Seascape for asignificant period and have a long-term strategy and shared vision.

2.
3.

This strategy outlines the Lau Seascape profile and articulates the vision, targets, threat reductions,objectives, activities and indicators for monitoring purposes. The vision is articulated by the Masi
in Vanua of Lau, (the forum of traditional chiefs), discussed with representatives of the Lau Yaubula
Management Support Team (YMST) and endorsed collectively. Conservation targets include reducing
threats, improving the status of natural resources, advancing the socio-economic status of communities,building resilience to (climate) change, and strengthening the enabling environment. There are ten
targets that support the overall vision – three targets relate to the advancement of social wellbeing andlivelihood, while seven are directly related to the improvement of natural ecosystems and habitats fromridge to reef to ocean on small island systems.
The Lau Seascape strategy can be referred to as an action plan or a strategic workplan that clearly
identifies a set of objectives or results that stakeholders have agreed to achieve over time to improve
management of the Lau Seascape. The strategy also identifies a detailed set of activities necessary
to fulfill the objectives, targets and vision. While the essential elements of the seascape/landscape
are used to shape critical issues discussed, the strategy identifies the status and key conservation
targets that the Masi in Vanua o Lau and representatives of the Lau YMST feel are the most importantconservation targets. The strategy is a guide for the coalition of partners that are committed to support
the development of the Lau Seascape.

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The Story of the Lau Seascape

Qilaqila Bay in northern Vanua Balavu Island

Since 2013, Conservation International (CI) has been working with the Masi ni Vanua o Lau to lay
the foundations for successful interventions across the province. Grounded in a joint memorandumof understanding, the Lau Seascape is now a multi-partner initiative comprised of community andindigenous representatives, the Government of Fiji, private sector and non-governmental organisation
stakeholders.
FIGURE 1: LAU SEASCAPE IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN
The Lau Seascape initiative supports
several instruments endorsed at local,
regional and global levels. At the local
level, the Lau Seascape builds on the Lau2020 Blue Green Concept, which focuseson sustainable development based on ablue-green economy. At the national level,
the Green Growth Framework for Fiji (GOF
2014) focuses on restoring balance indevelopment for a sustainable future. At
the regional level, the Lau Seascape aims
to support Fiji’s commitment to the Pacific
Oceanscape using the ‘seascapemanagement’framework,
which
implements principles of ecosystembased management in large-scale marine
systems, building partnerships toconserve marine and terrestrial
ecosystems and strengthening humanConservation International Fiji Program9Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

wellbeing. This includes the foundational principles of sustainable land-use management, coastal
fisheries management, and social and economic development aimed at improving climate resilienceamong local communities. The Lau Seascape also aligns with the Framework for Resilient Developmentin the Pacific.
At the global level, the Lau Seascape is listed as one of Fiji’s voluntary commitments to the inter-agency
mechanism UN-Oceans, under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use
the oceans, seas and marine resources.

The Lau Seascape is also aligned to other SDGs, including SDG 13: Climate action; SDG 15: Life onland; SDG 1: Poverty reduction; SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing; SDG 5: Gender equity; SDG 6: Clean
water; SDG 7: Affordable clean energy; SDG 11: Sustainable communities and SDG 12 Responsible
consumption and production.
The Lau Seascape is further aligned to the Oceans Pathway, launched by the Government of Fiji at
COP23, as well as fulfillment of Fiji’s Aichi Targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
To this end, the Masi ni Vanua and communities of Lau have requested CI and partners to support
sustainable and organic agricultural development on the islands; improve the sustainability ofcommunity fishing practices and management, including increasing access to and consumption of
pelagic fish (rather than coastal reef fish); and strengthen economic development opportunities byimproving market access for local commodities.
Over 20 Pacific Island countries and territories have created and agreed with the Pacific Oceanscape
as a policy document addressing climate and ocean management. The Pacific Oceanscape aims toprotect, manage and sustain the vast array of culture, tradition and natural integrity of one-third of theworld’s surface, hosting the largest marine biodiversity around the globe.
The Pacific Oceanscape is a framework that was first proposed by the Government of Kiribati and later
endorsed by regional leaders as a catalyst for action for the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP).
With a broad array of stakeholders, the Pacific Oceanscape Framework aims to foster stewardship at
scale that ensures the health and wellbeing of our oceans and ourselves into perpetuity.
The Lau Seascape joins a global portfolio of four Seascapes that Conservation International has helped
to create around the globe. Each seascape is focused on building local capacity and collaborating withgovernment, private sector as well as other stakeholders to establish networks of effectively managed
terrestrial and marine areas that support protection of key biodiversity while supporting sustainable
development of local economies. The Lau Seascape aspires to address four key priorities including(i) ocean conservation at scale; (ii) management and restoration of tropical forests for climate; (iii)
sustainable seascapes; as well as (iv) innovation in science and finance. Working in close collaboration
with partners to coordinate efforts and interventions we hope to fulfill regional and national policy
objectives that will benefit the people of Lau.

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Lau Province

Nuku Village in Moala Island with surrounding mangrove patches

Across the Lau Seascape, the prioritisation of protected area sites within the network will be data driven
and include key habitats that not only conserve unique species and biodiversity but support humanwellbeing and climate change resilience.
The Lau Seascape encompasses the whole of Lau Province, one of fourteen provinces in the Eastern
Division of Fiji. The area of the Lau Seascape includes terrestrial, inshore and offshore extending to the
Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) estimated at 335, 895 km2 (Figure 3).
The Lau Province is part of the Tovata Confederacy, consisting of traditional alliances in eastern andnorthern Fiji. Located south of the Koro Sea in the Pacific Ocean, the islands and their surrounding
waters are a mecca of biodiversity, supporting habitats that depend on healthy island ecosystems which
are a cornerstone to climate resilience.
BOX 1: THE LAU SEASCAPE AT A GLANCE
Total area: 335,895 km2
iQoliqoli area: 2,700 km2
Inhabited islands: 13
No. direct beneficiaries: 9,602
Locally managed marine areas: 52
Reef fish biomass: 2,180kg/ha
Live coral cover: 80%
Recorded fish species: 788
Recorded hard coral species: 200
Recorded mammals: 12
Recorded birds: 47
Recorded plant species: 339
Recorded amphibians: 16
Cassava/taro production: 101mt/yr
Coastal commercial fisheries (national):
11,000 mt/yr

Coastal subsistence fisheries (national):
16,000 mt/yr
Threats:• Unsustainable land-use methods (excessive
use of chemicals)• Unsustainable fishing methods• Pollution• Illegal fishing by locals• Illegal fishing by commercial vessels• Crown-of-thorns• Unsustainable tourism development• Physical damage to reef from anchoring• Unfenced livestock• Invasive species• Unsustainable coastal development

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Collectively, the islands cover a land area of 487 square kilometres (188 square miles). There are somesixty islands and islets, of which 13 are inhabited by 9,602 people in 73 villages. The population of the
Lau Province has declined by 10% in the past decade (2007–2017).
Lau Province is an area of exceptional biological diversity and abundant fisheries, defined as one ofFiji’s priority marine ecoregions (WWF, 2003) with multiple sites identified in the Biophysically Special,
Unique Marine Areas of Fiji report. All islands and lagoons in the Lau Group support diverse native floraand fauna of notable and vulnerable conservation significance, with several globally endangered andendemic species (Meo et al. 2018, Miller et al. 2018, Tuiwawa et al. 2013).
Global analyses of marine biodiversity consistently place the Lau archipelago among the highest priorities
for conservation, as a hotspot for species richness (Selig et al. 2014; Trebilco et al. 2011; Tittensor etal. 2010) and species endemism (Selig et al. 2014). Each island in the Lau Group is recorded to havea suite of special habitats that host endemic species. The island of Totoya has cauliflower corals; Moala
Island has a unique stick insect (Nisyrus spinulosus) found on mountain tops of larger islands in Fiji, andbees (Lasioglossum sp., Homalictus fijiensis) that may have speciated; Matuku Island is known to host
giant clam (Tridacna mbalavuana); Ono-i-Lau and some uninhabited islands such as Vatuvara have thePacific boa snake (Candoia bibroni), which is currently threatened with extinction; Ono-i-Lau hosts thered skink (Emoia sp.); Fulaga has unique and endemic butterflies (Oriens augustula, Jamides bochus,
Doleschallia bisaltide, Hypolimnas bolina, Junonia villida, Belanois java, Appias albina, Eurema hecabe);
Yagasa has beautiful coral reefs, marine vertebrates, humpback whales and seabirds; Vatoa hosts theendemic Devil clam, Tridacna mbalavuana, and is a humpback whale migratory route; Vanuavatu hasbats (Pteropus tonganus, Pteropus samoensis) and naturally occurring phosphate; Namuka has krast
vegetation; Tuvana has giant clams and edible sea grapes; Kabara has natural stands of majestic forests
hosting vesi (Intsia bijuga) trees among rocky outcrops; and Vuaqava has long horn beetles (Xixuthrus
heros).
Vatuvara is an uninhabited privately-owned island under the care of Vatuvara Private Islands. It hosts
the endemic Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus), currently threatened with extinction, and
the Pacific boa Candoia bibroni. The shy ground dove (Alopecoenas stairi), threatened with extinction
elsewhere due to introduced predators, is also found there. Vatuvara Island is surrounded by healthyand diverse coral communities. Healthy populations of coconut crabs (Birgus latro) have been identified
in the islands of Vatuvara, Yacata and Kaibu in Northern Lau.
The chiefs and people of Lau are conscious of their fragile ecosystems and have collectively decided
to adopt the Lau Seascape as a sustainable development framework that will maintain ecosystemservices while supporting economic development.

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Governance of Resource Management in
Lau

Blenniella sp. in Lau waters

The chiefs and the people of Lau are represented by the Lau Yaubula Management Support Team,
which has been mandated by the Lau Provincial Council to champion and recommend environmentally
sustainable practices that will benefit current and future generations. The Lau Provincial Council
endorsed the adoption of the YMST concept in 2016 and decided that all the islands should establish
a YMST body in order to link resource management work in villages and districts with the work at
provincial level.
In alignment with government policy and under the leadership of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Lau
Provincial Council has endorsed the roles and responsibilities of the Lau Yaubula Management Support
Team (YMST), which consists of a network of local leadership in each village, island and district of theprovince. One of the critical strategies identifies a governance structure that strengthens traditional
leadership to improve natural resource management while aligned to existing policy frameworks.
The Masi in Vanua o Lau are proud of their heritage and are committed to supporting a strong partnershipand alliance between the formal and traditional governance structures as outlined in the proposed
Vanua o Lau Council (Figure 2). There is strong confidence among the Masi in Vanua o Lau that clear
governance – determined by strong leadership roles and responsibilities at all levels (extended families,
clans, villages, districts and the province) – is important to ensure sustainable resource use and thewellbeing of the people of Lau.
The fundamental basis of the YMST is to establish local networks among resource owners to coordinate
and communicate with relevant individuals and stakeholders in government, NGOs, academia and theprivate sector in order to ensure well-informed decision-making in the management of their resources.
The YMST assumes specific roles to coordinate strategies and conduct activities with all community
governance levels in order to achieve sustainable resource management, including the management ofConservation International Fiji Program13

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

protected areas (terrestrial and marine). It also coordinates all training at the community level relating toconservation and management of natural resources, and supports the implementation of the Integrated
Coastal Management Plan and Yaubula Management Plan at all levels of governance.
To effectively coordinate the functions of YMST bodies across all the islands, the chiefs decided to groupthe district YMSTs into five clusters – Northern, Central, Yasayasa, South and Far South (Figure 2). The
clusters are expected to improve cultural and traditional connectivity and bring positive rippling effects
emanating from natural resource management. The five clusters make up the core of the provincial YMST
body. All the islands have established YMSTs at the district and village levels, which are represented by
the Yaubula Committee. The YMSTs urgently require assistance in empowerment and capacity building
to improve their operation and reporting. Despite these limitations and realizing the urgency to address
natural resource threats, the YMST have proceeded to deliver some local policies.

FIGURE 2: GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE PROPOSED BY THE MASI NI VANUA O LAU AND YMSTREPRESENTATIVESOne such policy is a ban on the use of chemicals for three years from 2016. Many islands have adopted
this, including Fulaga, Ogea, Namuka, Vatoa, Lakeba, Ono-i-Lau, Totoya, Matuku, Moce, and Nayau.
Cicia Island in Northern Lau is the first fully organic island in the Pacific under the Pacific Organic andEthical Trade Community (POETCom), while Vatuvara and Kanacea Islands are certified organic to USDA
(United States Department of Agriculture) and Australian standards. Several larger mountainous islands
with intense agricultural activities are at risk from continued chemical pollution. These islands include
Moala, Matuku and Vanuabalavu.

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FIGURE 3: PROPOSED LAU SEASCAPE BOUNDARY

There is a steady increase in the designation of community-based locally managed marine areas(LMMAs) in coastal fishing areas. The YMSTs are the influential bodies, recommending MPA creation
to the village chief and elders to safeguard their resources for future generations. Moala, Matuku andTotoya YMSTs have designated more than ten MPAs in one year and this is expected to increase within
ongoing community consultations and YMST empowerment. According to the list of LMMAs in Fiji there
are an estimated 52 in the Lau Province, spread across 2,700 km2 of traditional iQoliqoli areas. The
number of LMMAs is anticipated to increase over the next ten years.

An eagle ray, Aetomylaeus sp., in Vatoa Island marine tabu area

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Lau Seascape Strategy

Nasaqalau Village in Lakeba Island

Since 2014, the Masi in Vanua o Lau and Yaubula Management Support representatives from Lau havegathered after the Annual Provincial Council meeting to discuss environmental challenges and potential
interventions. This culminated in an unanimous agreement in 2016 to support the Lau Seascapeinitiative. In July 2017, a talanoa forum was held on Kaibu Island in Northern Lau that provided
an opportunity for owners of privately-owned islands and key representatives of conservation anddevelopment programmes across Lau to discuss the potential for partnerships, long-term collaborationand financing for the Lau Seascape initiative.
In the interest of full participation of existing partnerships under the Lau Seascape initiative, a seriesof strategy planning workshops were conducted with representative partners, the chief of each islandand their respective Yaubula managers. They considered targets, threats, threat reduction options andpossible resources available to stimulate ownership of the plan.
The first meeting was for partners from government agencies, civil society organisations and theprovincial office, as well as private partners. They reviewed progress, identified challenges andsuggested strategies to address the challenges in the next 10 years. Their workshop was carried out
over two days in March 2018 and was followed by a series of three meetings to refine the strategy plan
output.
A community workshop for the traditional chiefs and their respective Yaubula managers was held overa week in May 2018, during which they further refined the strategy developed by the partners. This
workshop was attended by representatives of the Conservation International sister-seascape from Birds
Head Seascape. They contributed immensely to the vision, strategic directions, the challenges andopportunities and the understanding of a seascape administrative affairs.

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The outcomes of these participatory workshops and meetings by the partners and the communities
were collated to identify the project scope, vision, conservation targets and goals, as well as criticalthreats to the targets. Factors that contribute directly or indirectly to the threats were itemised tounderstand the current situation (also known as situation analysis) and identify the best strategy to
mitigate and reduce direct and indirect threats to achieve the targets and goals of the seascape.
More than 100 people participated in the development of this strategic plan over a three- month period.

Our Vision
The Vanua of Lau to be prosperous and grounded in values of respect and collaborative participation toachieve sustainable regenerative resources by 2030 for current and future generations and to overcome
challenges with the guidance of the Almighty God.
This vision was created by the Masi in Vanua of Lau and YMST representatives at the Tanoa Plaza Hotelin 2017. The chiefs were asked to brainstorm the vision for the future of Lau. They considered how
they perceived the natural resource status, their culture and traditions, the status of their wealth andlivelihoods, the health of future generations, and what they considered most important to support theirlives. The output of the brainstorm exercise was then refined by three selected members of the chiefly
group and the output was later agreed on by all as presented here. Once approved by the chiefs’ forum,
the vision was presented in plenary and endorsed by the whole community and partners.

Our Targets
Targets reflect issues that we care about and are ready to make commitments to. We identified ten
targets that represent the components of the vision – three targets relate to the advancement of social
wellbeing and livelihoods, while seven are directly related to the improvement of natural ecosystems
and habitats from the ridge to reef to ocean. Targets and goals are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1: Targets and Goals
TargetCultural integrity
Maroroi nai Tovo kei Na Vakarau
Vakavanua

Food security
Taucoko na ivurevure ni Kakana

Goal
By 2030, each village and its next generation ensures andstrengthens traditional and cultural heritage stewardship andspiritual guidance.
By 2030, all communities have sustainable, locally-grown foodsupplies for the current and next generations.

By 2030, all villages in Lau are characterised by resilient individuals
Taucoko na bula ni rawaka kei na and communities that have successful access to education,markets and transportation.
tiko sautu
Sustainable livelihoods

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TargetMangroves
VeidogoMigratory species
Yaubula ka veitosoyaki ena
veiwasawasa

Pelagic sea
Waitui Loa

Reef
Veicakau

Seamounts
Cakau Dromu

Seagrass
Veivutia

Terrestrial environment
Vakasoniwai / Ulunivanua /Veikau18

Goal
By 2030, all islands maintain the current cover (2018 status) of
mangroves to support functional diversity.
By 2030, all of the degraded mangrove areas in each island arerestored.
By 2030, all migratory species (turtles, whales, sharks, mantas)
are protected and monitored within the Lau waters.
By 2030, the number of sightings (nestings and pods) of migratory
species is increased by 20% from 2018 levels (September 2018:
whales and dolphins).
By 2030, all archipelagic waters (inter-island waters) of Lau
are under protection/effective management to sustain offshore
ecological function.
By 2030, reef fish biomass is increased by 20% from the existinglevel (2013 living ocean foundation surveys, Vatuvara Foundation/
Wildlife Conservation Society, Northern Lau marine biologicalsurveys).
By 2030, fish diversity is maintained to support functional
biodiversity.
By 2030, the live coral cover is increased by 30-40% from theexisting level (2018) to enable functional biodiversity and support
resilient coral reef systems.
By 2030, 50% of the mapped seamounts are protected under thezonation plan against commercial industrial fishing.
By 2030, all seagrass key areas are included in the zonation planfor protection to support ecosystem functions.
By 2030, all the degraded/logged forest areas are restored on eachisland.
By 2030, all agricultural land management is compliant andverified in accordance with the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade
Community (POETCom), with increased soil fertility from the 2018status to support biodiversity and livelihoods.
By 2030, 80% of 2018 area of virgin forests are protected tosupport the functional biodiversity and water cycle.
By 2030, quality and availability of water in terrestrial ecosystems
and areas to support terrestrial functional biodiversity andlivelihoods are maintained.

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Target healthLemonpeel Angelfish in Lau waters

Isolation of the islands within the Lau Seascape is both a challenge and a blessing: a challenge toaccessibility and a blessing due to the minimal anthropogenic pressures affecting the pristine
environment and natural ecosystem services enjoyed by the islanders.
In May 2017, CI conducted a marine rapid biodiversity assessment in the Southern Lau Group ofIslands to fill data gaps and identify important areas for conservation. With a team of global and local
experts, CI navigated eight islands to gather baseline information on biodiversity, ecosystem health andfunctions, benthic ecosystems, corals, fish biodiversity, biomass and invertebrates. A second expeditionin August 2017 led by the Auckland Museum, covered a few more islands in the southern-most partof Lau. The expeditions successfully unwrapped biodiversity of the Lau Seascape, recording 788 reeffish species, including 68 new records for Fiji, 350 new records for Lau, and at least seven new fish
species. Numerous reefs were found to boast more than 200 species of hard coral (about 50 of whichwere unidentified) indicating a level of diversity previously only recorded in the Coral Triangle. These
expeditions uncovered evidence of endangered humpback whale nursery grounds and highlighted
areas of significant biodiversity that require protection, as well as areas that have been overexploitedand require supportive management to restore ecosystem health.
At the same time, in northern Lau, a biological baseline survey was conducted by the Vatuvara Foundationand the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) around five islands: Kaibu, Yacata, Vatuvara, Kanacea andAdavaci. The objectives of the survey were to collect data on the health, abundance and diversity ofcorals, reef fish and invertebrate species, establish a baseline for long-term monitoring, document
the damage to community fishing grounds caused by Cyclone Winston, and provide recommendations
to communities on the management of their traditional fishing grounds to support food security andsustainable livelihoods (Miller et al. 2018).

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The islands and lagoons surveyed were healthy and represented a diverse assemblage of hard corals,
typical of remote habitats that have not been exposed to intense human pressure. The benthic habitats
featured steep outer walls of spectacular reef and azure shallow inner lagoons containing sand andseagrass flats, interspersed with patch reefs. The coasts of the islands were lined with dense seagrassbeds, which are critical habitats for fish and invertebrate species, and are feeding grounds for thegreen and hawksbill turtles. Despite the damage caused by Cyclone Winston, the team identified thepresence of juvenile coral recruits, which indicated early signs of recovery. The high percentage of hardcoral cover, when combined with careful management, suggested that the reefs were resilient and thatthe affected areas could potentially regenerate by 2021, if well looked after. The islands supported anumber of globally threatened species, including the globally endangered hump head wrasse (Cheilinus
undulatus), four shark species and the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle(Eretmochelys imbricata) (Miller et al. 2018).
We used the results of these surveys and the expert opinion of partners and community representatives
to assess the current status of each of our human wellbeing and ecological targets, and what a ‘healthy
state’ might look like. This provided a baseline against which we can measure changes over time andhelped us decide which targets are most in need of immediate attention. In addition, we developed
specific indicators for each target while considering the acceptable range of variation for each indicator,and defined ‘poor’, ‘fair’ and ‘good’ health rankings. We then ranked each target based on its status(Table 2).
TABLE 2: STATUS OF OUR TARGETS
TargetCultural integrity
Maroroi nai Tovo kei Na Vakarau Vakavanua

Food security
Taucoko na ivurevure ni Kakana

Sustainable livelihoods
Taucoko na bula ni rawaka kei na tiko sautu

Mangroves
VeidogoMigratory species
Yaubula ka veitosoyaki ena veiwasawasa

Pelagic sea
Waitui Loa

Reef
Veicakau

Seamounts
Cakau Dromu

Seagrass
Veivutia

Terrestrial environment
Vakasoniwai / Ulunivanua / Veikau

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Current Health Status
Poor
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Very good
Good
Fair

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Cultural integrity is ranked in ‘poor’ health due to the disintegration of the social fibre of community living
caused by the increasing Western influence in remote communities. Sustainable livelihoods associatedwith extensive use of chemical fertilizers, steep land cultivation, and overharvesting of terrestrial andmarine resources are some factors that deem the health of sustainable livelihoods ‘fair’.
A ‘poor’ rating means imminent loss of targeted ecosystem services or habitats or key cultural values,
and allowing prevailing factors to remain in this condition for extended periods will make restoration
nearly impossible.
A ‘good’ rating refers to factors functioning within a range of acceptable variation and may require somehuman intervention for improvement. A ‘very good’ rating is assigned in situations of optimal integrity
and require very little human intervention. Overall, the health status indicates priority issues that needattention.

Anemonefish, Amphiprion barberi, in Lau waters

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Critical threats to targets

Conservation International Marine RAP survey team in action in 2017

Factors that directly or indirectly affect the targets are considered critical threats to conservation targets
and goals. Direct threats are the proximate human activities or processes that have caused, are causing,or may cause the destruction, degradation, and/or impairment of targets (e.g. unsustainable fishingor logging). Factors that contribute to direct threats may be either indirect causes or opportunities
that drive proximate pressures. Threats can be past (historical), ongoing, and/or likely to occur in the
future. Based on the expert opinion of the Masi in Vanua, community representatives and partners, we
identified and ranked each threat as very high, high, medium and low to help us understand threats
most affecting the Lau Seascape, and to prioritise our limited resources to achieve the greatest impact.

Aerial photo of Ogea Driki and Ogea Levu, Lau

22Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

A summary of the direct threats to the targets for Lau Seascape is given in Table 3.
TABLE 3: CURRENT STATUS OF DIRECT THREATS
ThreatDescription

Chemical pollution from agriculture
iWalewale ni Vakayagataki qele veivakarusai fertilisers, intensive agriculture, fallow
systemna delanivanua

Current
ThreatStatusUnsustainable land-use methods

Unsustainable fishing methods
iWalewale ni Vakayagataki qoliqoli
veivakarusai

Pollution

Poisoning, night fishing and set-size
regulations
Plastic and solid waste

Benu Ca

Illegal fishing by locals

Amount of fish and protected species

Qoli Butako e loma ni vanua

Illegal fishing by commercial vessels
Qoli vakailoa ni waqa ni qoli lelevu

Crown-of-thorns

Foreign vessels fishing in Lau waters andwithin traditional fishing grounds (iQoliqloi)
Marine invasive species

iWiliwili ni Bula
Sega ni tuvani vakamatau nai tuvatuva ni
saravanua

Unregulated tourism – lack of coordinationand safeguards from social impact or
rapid economic development

Physical damage toreefs from anchoring

Yachts and fishing vessels – anchor
damage, climate change, acidification

Unsustainable tourism

Vakacacani ni Veicakau mai na kelekele ni
waqa

Unfenced livestock
Kena sega ni maroroi se vakabaitaki na
manumanu

Invasive species
Manumanu ika kei na kau vulagi
veivakarusai

Unsustainable coastal development
Veivakatorocaketaki ni baravi ka sega nituvani vakamatau

Free roaming of livestock, pollution of
local waterways
Acacia species (terrestrial) andCyanobacteria (marine)

Very high

High
High
High
High
High
High

MediumMediumLow

Unregulated development along the coasts
Low

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Threat reduction

Navakamatuku Reef in Totoya Island Bay

To minimise the impact of threats to our targets, it is important to identify specific objectives at site
level. Specific objectives indicate key areas that mitigate the threats to our targets. Table 4 details
clear objectives designed to strategically eliminate the most critical direct and indirect pressures on
our targets.
TABLE 4: OBJECTIVES OF THREAT REDUCTIONS
Threat Reductions
Reduced unsustainable land-use
Vakalailaitaki na vakayagataki vakaveitalia ni delani Vanua

Reduced unsustainable fishing methods
Vakalailaitaki na Qoli Vakailowa

Reduced pollution
Vakalailaitaki na Benu ca kei na Benu vakaveitalia

Objectives
By 2030, all land use (forest fire, use ofchemicals, use of inorganic manure, monocropping and logging) aligns to the land use(zonation) plan.
By 2025, unsustainable fishing practices(poisoning, night fishing and set-size regulations)is reduced by 60% in each village.
By 2023, each Lau village implements a waste
management plan.

By 2025, there is a decline of at least 50% in
Vakalailaitaki na Qoli Butako vei ira na lewenivanua illegal fishing by locals.
Reduced illegal fishing by locals

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Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Threat Reductions
Reduced illegal fishing by commercial
vessels
Vakalailaitaki na Qoli Butako mai Tautuba

Reduced free roaming livestock
Vakabaitaki na manumanu

Reduced number of crown-of-thorns
Qarauni na wiliwili ni Bula

Reduced physical damage from anchoring
Vakalailaitaki na vakacacani ni veicakau mai na
kelekele ni waqa

Objectives
By 2030, all commercial fishing vessels comply
with the regulations of the zonation plan.
By 2030, each Lau cluster has community
surveillance structures in place to support
enforcement within inshore areas.
By 2030, effective national control surveillancesystems are in place in each Lau cluster tosupport enforcement of offshore fishery areasfrom the regulated buffer zones.
By 2025, all livestock are fenced and managed ineach village.
By 2025, abundance of crown-of-thorns on reefs
is reduced to a normal/natural level (2–5 perhectare).
By 2030, all islands will have a yacht anchoragezone, in accordance with the zonation plan, toavoid physical damage to reefs.

Reduced overexploitation of targeted species By 2025, 70% of LMMAs registered in Lau
regulate night spearfishing.
Vakalailaitaki na qolivi sivia ni ika kei na sasalu
By 2025, at least half of all islands adopt
seasonal protection during spawning and othermarine life cycle stages.
By 2025, size limitations for targeted species arerespected.
By 2025, the Acacia species are reduced to a
Reduced terrestrial and marine invasive
normal number (to be defined later).
species
By 2025, the reef areas affected by
Vakarusai na manumanu, ika kei na kau vulagi
cyanobacteria is reduced to 0.
Reduced unsustainable coastal development By 2030, all coastal developments comply with
Wali na veivakatorocaketaki ena noda veibaravi ka the regulations set by the zonation plan.
sega ni tuvani vakamatau

Reduced unsustainable tourism
Wali na veivakatorocaketaki ni saravanua ka segani tuvani vakamatau

By 2025, all tourism activities are sustainably
coordinated and managed according to themaster plan in each island.

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Situation analysis
In order to identify the most effective strategies for reducing threats to our targets, we developed aconceptual model to illustrate the situation analysis and root causes of the threats faced by socioeconomic and environmental targets. The overall conceptual model for Lau Seascape is outlined inAppendix 1. The conceptual model attempts to depict business as usual while highlighting the root
causes or factors that contribute to direct threats to our targets.

Northern Vanua Balavu, Lau

26

Conservation International Fiji ProgramTargets
Targets

Contributing factors

Contributing factors
Threats
Threats

FIGURE 4: CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

The assessment is based on the question of ‘why/because’ model to prompt discussion on the drivers
and underlying causes of the threats to our targets. For example, three main threats are the use ofunsustainable fishing methods, illegal fishing by commercial vessels at the fringes of reef systems
and illegal fishing by local communities in inshore areas. The key attribute or direct cause of thesethreats is associated with high demand for marine resources for economic returns. Other contributing
factors include lack of knowledge of historical, biological and ecological status, compounded by lackof compliance with traditional leadership decisions. In the same vein, lack of or weak enforcement oflaws and regulations is a consequence of vacant traditional leadership positions. The conceptual modelor situation analysis discussed above is outlined in Figure 4.

The Megaptera novaeangliae, humpback whales in Lau waters

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Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Selection of strategies

Anemonefish, Amphiprion chrysopterus, in Lau waters

The issues highlighted in the conceptual model are clustered and aligned to prevailing thematic areas of
key interventions needed to reduce the threats to our targets. Each thematic area becomes the strategy
or plan of action designed to achieve long term or overall aim.
The issues discussed above and depicted in Figure 4 correspond to the strategy Good governance andnatural resource management. We identified seven strategies to support the development of the Lau
Seascape as outlined in Box 2.
BOX 2: LAU SEASCAPE STRATEGIES
1. Develop good governance and natural resource management
Vakatorocaketaki ka vakaqaqacotaki ne kena vakayagataki vakamatau na noda Yaubula me vueta na
rawaka vakailavo kei na tiko sautu

Support the Yaubula Management Support Teams and empower local leaders in order to establish
community-based, integrated natural resource management systems that will promote thesustainable use of terrestrial, coastal and marine resources in compliance with natural resources
bylaws.
2. Improve integration/coordination among governance levels
Vaqaqacotaki na veisemati ni tuvatuva ni veiqaravi mai na veitabana ni Matanitu, Vanua, Lotu

Improve integration and communication among all the governance levels (government, Lauclusters, villages, civil societies and the private sector) in order to facilitate relevant support fromthe government for the sustainable development of Lau through green infrastructure, improved
transportation, and access to good education and markets for the people of Lau.

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

3. Develop zonation and protected area network
Wasewase ni vanua me maroroi mai nai vakaso ni wai, veidogo, baravi, veivutia, veicakau, wasawasa
levu ka tokona na veisemati ni Yaubula

Create a zonation plan for the marine and terrestrial environment of Lau that will include land-use
management, effectively managed marine areas, and identification of key terrestrial and marine
ecological areas in order to support a protected area network of connected systems across the LauGroup.
4. Restore ecosystems and manage invasive species
Vakasulumi vakamatau na nodai Yaubula mai na dela ni vanua kina veicakau kei na waitui loa ka valuti
na kau/ika/manumanu vuka vulagi ka vakavu leqa kina iyaubula

Create an invasive species management plan and a restoration plan. The management plan
will include marine species (crown-of-thorns and Cyanobacteria) and terrestrial species (Acacia
species). The restoration plan will include marine (coral reefs) and terrestrial (degraded lands)
ecosystems.
5. Increase local capacity in Lau to safeguard Yaubula
Vakalevutaki na kila ni mamaroroi kei na iwiliwili ni tabagone kei na uabula era tiko e Vanua me qaravi
ka maroroi/ taqomaki nai Yaubula

Improve ecological principles, traditional knowledge, trade and market skills and shift towards
sustainable production of goods and resources. This will include creating an eco-certification
programme aligned to existing systems, a diversification of small-scale businesses, and theintroduction of new commodity and market opportunities for the people of Lau. The final outcome
is targeted to create more opportunities for the future leaders of Lau, and ensure the continuity ofthe vanua and traditional/cultural leadership to safeguard our living wealth – Yaubula.
6. Develop community patrols
Vakaqaqacotaki na kena yadravi na I Qoliqoli mai vei ira na I Taukei ni Qoliqoli

Create of a community-led enforcement programme. The plan will monitor and safeguard thewaters of Lau against illegal fishing and unsustainable practices that harm the productivity andfunctionality of the Lau marine ecosystems and pose an enormous threat to the livelihoods andfood security of the people of Lau.
7. Develop eco-tourism
Veivakatoroicaketaki ni Saravanua ka Maroroi kina nai Yaubula

Develop a sustainable tourism master plan to improve coordination and sustainably manage
tourism activities in Lau, recognising the carrying capacity of each island and ecological threats
associated with mass tourism.

30

Conservation International Fiji ProgramFIGURE 5: RESULT CHAIN ASSESSMENT FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE & NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Under Strategy 1 – Develop good governance and natural resource management, the installation of traditional leaders will enable community cohesion and unity.
This will support collective decision making, good governance, trust and coordination while supporting a high level of compliance with natural resource by-laws.
A result chain is outlined in Figure 5.

Results chain

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

The results chain assessment follows an ‘if/then’ pattern. As an illustration, under Strategy 1: Develop
good governance and natural resource management, if leadership positions and structures are installed,then the chiefs will feel empowered, then community-based natural resource management plans will
be adopted, then threats associated with overexploitation, unsustainable fishing methods and illegal
fishing by commercial vessels will be reduced and the threats to our targets reduced. The thoughtprocesses are colour-coded where yellow indicates strategy; blue the results of interventions, andpurple the effect of threat reduction on the target. Targets are colour coded with green. The overall
results chain is outlined in Appendix 2.

Goals and Objectives

Conservation International Marine Rapid Biodiversity Assessment 2017

Each strategy links to specific objectives. The specific objective defines the necessary process or
enabling environment to support threat reductions. Threat reductions mitigate the impact of all criticalfactors contributing to the exacerbation of negative conditions on our targets.
In the case of Strategy 1: Good governance and natural resource management, threat reduction results
would thus include a reduction in illegal fishing by locals and commercial vessels, a reduction in overexploitation of targeted species and a reduction in the use of unsustainable fishing methods.
Each strategy has an associated process or a series of actions or steps that are necessary to achievea particular end. The process may be a simple one-step action or many associated interventions. The
process determines the goals and objectives of the intervention. For instance, in the case of Strategy 1:
Good governance and natural resource management, several processes are necessary. These include:
leadership empowerment; adopting, implementing and understanding natural resources management;
and prosecution of offenders to resource regulations and by-laws. Details are outlined in Table 6. The
goals and objectives of all the seven strategies are listed in Appendix 3.

32Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

BOX 3: OBJECTIVES OF THE PROCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH GOOD GOVERNANCE AND NATURALRESOURCE MANAGEMENT
1. Develop good governance and natural resource management – Vakatorocaketaki ka
vakaqaqacotaki ne kena vakayagataki vakamatau na noda Yaubula me vueta na rawaka vakailavo
keina bula sautu
1.1. Leaders empowered
By 2020, all leaders of Lau are empowered (skills, knowledge and planning/management of natural
resources) and chiefs traditionally installed.
1.2. Resource management adopted
By 2021, all leaders from all 72 villages adopt the natural resource management approach.
1.3. Resource management implemented
By 2022, community natural resource management is implemented on the ground.
1.4. Understanding on natural resource management strengthened
By 2024, all of the communities understand the importance of the sustainable use of resources.
1.5. Prosecution enforced
By 2025, all violations of marine resource regulations are successfully prosecuted.

Our actions and workplan
The actions and workplan are built around the objectives associated with the processes necessary to
implement the seven strategies.
For instance, in the case of Strategy 1: Develop good governance and natural resource management,
empowering leadership is associated with the annual provincial learning and exchange forum on
integrated natural resource management planning through empowerment of the Lau YMST. The timeframe for this is immediate and ongoing to 2030.
Activities are therefore linked to the goals and objectives of each strategy. The activities associatedwith all the seven strategies are listed in Table 5. The activities are colour coded to indicate thelevel of urgency and timeframe for completion within the ten-year workplan: “green” are urgent andimmediate needs (2018-2021); “amber” medium term (2022-2025) and “red” depend on the successful
implementation of immediate and medium-term tasks (2026-2030).

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

TABLE 5: STRATEGIC ACTIVITIES AND TIME FRAME
Strategies

Activities
Time frame
Conduct an annual provincial learning and exchange
2018–2030
1. Develop good
governance and natural forum on integrated natural resource management
resource management planning (Lau YMST).
Conduct village-based awareness and education in
2019–2030
natural resource management.
Facilitate the installation of chiefs/ leaders on each2019-2020
island.
Conduct capacity building training for leaders and2020
community (women and youth) about implementing
natural resource management plans (including leadershipand management, traditional knowledge, commodity
development and financial literacy period)
Support the Bose Vanua to advocate the importanceof natural resource management as communicated by
the leaders to the community.
Develop a community action plan and regulations(that need to be enforced).
Develop and finalise a memorandum of
2. Improve
integration/coordination understanding (MOU) between Lau partners andgovernment.
among governance
Develop an MoU between CI and all the local NGOslevelsand communities in Lau.
Facilitate the adoption of Lau Seascape priorities by
the communities.
Align the Lau Seascape Strategy to the National
Development Plan (NDP).
Undertake a cost-benefit analysis for each
community project funded by the government.
Facilitate the allocation of funds from government.
Conduct marine biological/ecological surveys to
3. Develop zonation
identify
the health and socio-economic values of marine
and protected area
ecosystems.
network
Assess agricultural and farming practices andrainforest.
Conduct community workshops to identify and verify
the mapping and management of each zone.
Draft is reviewed by the communities.
Implement zonation plan on the ground.
Review zonation plan every five years.

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2020–2022

2022-2024
2019

2019
2019
2019
2020
2020
2019–2022

2019–2022
2023
2024
2030
2030

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

4. Restore
ecosystems andmanage invasive
species

5. Increase local
capacity in Lau tosafeguard Yaubula

6. Develop
community patrols
7. Develop
eco-tourism

Develop collaboration between scientific team andcommunities on the identification of invasive species andecosystems for restoration.
Complete a prioritised list of invasive species andecosystems for restoration.
Conduct cost-benefit analysis of marine andterrestrial species of interest carried out.
Complete a restoration plan for key terrestrial andmarine species.
Train communities in identification of invasive
species.
Develop an eradication plan and enabling financial
support to execute it.
Implement respective restoration and eradicationplans on the ground.
Develop Monitoring plan relevant to the respective
restoration and eradication plan.
Conduct awareness and education workshops
on ecological principles, traditional knowledge andsustainable production (ridge to reef to ocean).
Conduct market and trade training for communities.
Develop a communication strategy about thebenefits of eco-certification, sustainable production andhuman health/wealth related to resources.
Provide technical support for sustainable production
and viable solutions.
Facilitate the eco-certification process and shift tosustainable production.
Facilitate enforcement training on each island.
Develop a surveillance plan for community patrols.
Survey the feasibility of sustainable tourism
activities on each island and carry out carrying capacity
assessment, as well as sustainable activities to informthe sustainable tourism master plan period.
Consult with communities to connect developmentof sustainable tourism activities with government
policies, the private sector and statutory organisations
such as the Fiji Museum.
Facilitate the process of development of thesustainable tourism master plan period

2020

2020–2022
2022
2018–2025
2022–2025
2022–2025
2025–2030
2025–2030
2020–2021

2020–2021
2022–2025

2022–2025
2022–2025
2020–2023
2023–2025
2018–2021

2021–2022

2018–2023

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Our Monitoring Programme
We will monitor the status of the indicators associated with each process and activity under eachof the seven strategies to measure management effectiveness of our Lau Seascape interventions.
Indicators will be used as a yard stick to measure management effectiveness of each intervention. As
an illustration, indicators associated with Strategy 1: Develop Good governance and natural resource
management are aligned to the goals, objectives and activities outlined in Table 6. Detailed objectives
and goals for each of the seven strategies, together with their indicators are outlined in Appendix 4.
TABLE 6: PROCESS INDICATORS ASSOCIATED WITH STRATEGY 1: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND NATURALRESOURCE MANAGEMENT
1. Develop good governance and natural resource management – Vakatorocaketaki ka
vakaqaqacotaki ne kena vakayagataki vakamatau na noda Yaubula me vueta na rawaka vakailavo
keina bula sautu
Objectives
Indicators
1.1. Leaders empowered
Number of leaders empowered
By 2030, all leaders of Lau are empowered(skills, knowledge and planning/management
Number of leaders/chiefs installed on eachof natural resources).
island
1.2. Resource management
Number of villages adopting the integrated
adoptedmanagement plan
By 2030, leaders from all 72 villages adopt
Number of Vanua meetings held
the natural resource management approach.
1.3. Resource management
Number of leaders implementing the natural
implemented
resource management approach in their villages
By 2020, community natural resource
management is implemented on the ground.
1.4. Understanding on natural
Number of people who understand theresource management strengthened importance of sustainable use of natural resources
By 2022, all the communities understand theimportance of the sustainable use of resources.
1.5. Prosecution enforced
Percentage of violations successfully
By 2024, all violations against marine
prosecuted
resources are successfully prosecuted.

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Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Adopting the Plan

Conceptual Mapping to identify Situation Analysis in Lau at Partners Open Standard Workshop

The Masi ni Vanua o Lau and representatives of the Lau YMST have been mandated by the Lau Provincial
Council to champion and recommend environmental and sustainable practices that will benefit current
and future generations. The Lau Provincial Council endorsed the adoption of the YMST concept in 2016
and endorsed all the island YMSTs, linking resource management from village to district to provincial
levels.
Accordingly, the Masi in Vanua o Lau and YMST representatives have developed the Lau Seascape
Strategy as a guideline for ecosystem-based management of the large number of islands to the east ofFiji. The strategy will be presented to the Lau Provincial Council for endorsement.
The shared vision for sustainable development, based on principles of dependence on an Almighty God,
respect for traditional values, and collaborative participation will ensure the sustainable wellbeing ofcurrent and future generations in the Lau group of islands.
The ten targets that support the vision of the Masi ni Vanua o Lau and YMST representatives focus onadvancement of social wellbeing and livelihood, and improvement of natural ecosystems and habitats
from ridge to reef to ocean. Targets that focus on the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems
are focussed on specific habitats, such as pelagic seas, reefs, seamounts, salt marshes, mangrove
seagrass migratory species (marine and fauna) seagrasses, and all types of terrestrial habitats.
With the vision to support prosperous and healthy ecosystems and local habitats through values ofrespect and collaborative participation, the seven strategies agreed on by the Masi in Vanua o Lau aim
to provide guidance for development partners. The partners will identify themselves and see how all
stakeholders can best collaborate and work towards ensuring the maintenance and development ofsustainable socio-economic development, and protecting and conserving the natural resources in the
Lau Seascape.

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References
Dunstan, PK, Evans K, Caruthers T and Anderson P. 2013. Updated analysis of existing marine assessments in the South West
Pacific. CSIRO Wealth from Oceans and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
https://www.sprep.org/att/publication/000937_684a.pdf
Fiji Fisheries Department, 2008. Fisheries Resource Inventory Survey: Komo, Nayau and Moce marine biodiversity assessment
draft report, Central Lau. Research Division, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests.
Fiji Fisheries Department, 2007. Fisheries Resource Inventory Survey Report: Vanua Balavu (No. Fisheries Research Technical
Report). Research Division, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests.
Fiji Fisheries Department, 2007. Fisheries Resource Inventory Survey Report: Tikina Mualevu iQoliqoli, Vanua Balavu.
Research Division, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests.
GOF. 2018. FBoS Release No 1. 2017 Population and Housing Census
Meo, S., Erdmann, M.V. and Tuisese, S.W. (eds). In Press. A Rapid Marine Assessment of the Southern Lau Islands, Fiji.
Conservation International, Arlington.
Miller K, Nand Y, Mangubhai S, Lee S, Naisilisili W, Sykes H (2018). Marine Biological Surveys of the Northern Lau Group.
Report No. 01/18. Vatuvara. Foundation and the Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji. 46 pp.
Nair V, Rupeni E, Wilson L, O’Gorman D, Holloway C, Sriskanthan G, Tabunakawai K, Afzal D, Areki F, Fiu M. 2004. Setting
Priorities for Marine Conservation in the Fiji Islands Marine Ecoregion. WWF South Pacific Programme. 79 pp
Our Sea of Islands, Our Livelihoods, Our Oceans. 2018. Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner. Pacific Island Forum
Secretariat.
Pratt C, Govan H. 2010. Our Sea of Islands, Our Livelihoods, Our Oceania. Framework for a Pacific Oceanscape: a catalyst for
implementation of ocean policy. Pacific Island Forum Secretariat.
Tittensor D, Mora C, Jetz W, Lotze H, Ricard D, Vanden Berghe E, Worm B. 2010. Global Patterns and predictors of marine
biodiversity across taxa. Nature 466. 1098-1103.
Trebilco R, Halpern B, Mills Flemming J, Field C, Blanchard W, Worm B. 2011. Mapping species richness and human impact
drivers to inform global pelagic prioritization. Biological Conservation 144. 1758-1766

Tuiwawa M, Aalbersberg W. 2013. Biodiversity Conservation Lessons Learned. Technical Series 22: Rapid Biological
Assessment Survey of Southern Lau, Fiji. Conservation International Pacific Islands Program.
Selig ER, Turner WR, Troeng S, Wallace BP, Halpern BS, et al. 2014. Global Priorities for Marine Biodiversity Conservation.
PLoS ONE 9(1): e82898.
Sykes H, Le Grand J, Davey K, Kirmani SN, Mangubhai S, Yakub N, Wendt H, Gauna M, Fernandes L. 2018. Biophysicallyspecial, unique marine areas of Fiji. MACBIO (GIZ, IUCN, SPREP), Wildlife Conservation Society and Fiji’s Protected Area
Committee (PAC); Suva.

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Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Glossary
iTaukei Phrase
Benu Ca
Bula Sautu
Bula
Cakau Dromu
Yaubula ka veitosoyaki ena veiwasawasa
iQoliqoli
iWalewale ni Qoli veivakarusai
iWalewale ni Vakayagatataki qele veivakarusai
Kena sega ni vakabaitaki na manumanu
Manumanu kei na kau vulagi veivakarusai
Masi ni Vanua o Lau
Nai Tovo kei Na Vakarau Vakavanua
Qoli Butako
Qoli vakailoa ni waqa ni qoli lelevu
Regenerative resources
Sega ni tuvani vakamatau nai tuvatuva ni saravanua
Ulunivanua
Vakacacani ni Veicakau mai na kelekele ni waqa
Vakasoniwai
Vakasoniwai/ Ulunivanua/ Veikau
Vanua
Veicakau
VeidogoVeikauVeiqaravi ni Saravanua ka maroroi kina nai Yaubula
Veivakatorocaketaki sega ni tuvani vakamatau ena veibaravi
Veivutia
Vurevure ni Kakana
Waitui Loa
YaubulaTranslation
Pollution
Sustainable livelihoods
Crown-of-thorns
Seamounts
Migratory species
Inshore fishing ground unit
Unsustainable fishing 		
methods
Unsustainable land-use 		
methodUnfenced livestock
Invasive species
Forum of traditional chiefsof LauCultural integrity
Illegal fishing by locals
Illegal fishing by 		
commercial vessels
Livelihoods, sustainability,
healthy environment
Unsustainable tourism
MountainPhysical damage to reef
from anchoring
Watershed
Terrestrial environment
includes culture, people,
land and ocean
reef system
Mangroves
Forest area
Eco-tourism
Unsustainable coastal 		development
Seagrass
Food security
Pelagic sea
living capital resources

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39Appendix 1 – Overall conceptual model for the Lau Seascape

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

40Conservation International Fiji ProgramAppendix 2 – Overall Results Chain Assessment for the Lau Seascape

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Appendix 3 – All strategies with associatedprocess objectives and indicators
1. Develop good governance and natural resource management – Vakatorocaketaki ka
vakaqaqacotaki ne kena vakayagataki vakamatau na noda Yaubula me vueta na rawaka vakailavo
keina bula sautu
Objectives
1.1. Leaders empowered
By 2020, all leaders of Lau are empowered(skills, knowledge and planning/managementof natural resources).

Indicators
Number of leaders/chiefs installed in eachislandNumber of leaders empowered

1.2. Resource management
Number of islands adopting the integrated
adoptedmanagement plan
By 2021, leaders from all 72 villages adopt the
Number of vanua meetings held
natural resource management approach.
1.3. Resource management
Number of leaders implementing the natural
implemented
resource management approach in their villages
By 2022, community natural resource
management is implemented on the ground.
1.4. Understanding on natural
Number of people understanding theresource management strengthened importance of sustainable use of natural resources
By 2024, all the communities understand theimportance of the sustainable use of resources.
1.5. Prosecution enforced
Percentage of violations successfully
By 2025, all violations against marine resource prosecuted.
regulations are successfully prosecuted.
2. Improve integration/coordination among governance levels – Vaqaqacotaki nai tuvatuva ni
veiqaravi mai na veitabana ni Matanitu, Vanua, Lotu

CI Staff assisting establishment of tree nursery in Moala for restoration of degraded terrestrial areas

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Conservation International Fiji ProgramLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

2.1. Improved communication
By 2019, communication is improved among
the various governance levels (community,
clusters and government).
2.2. Green infrastructuredeveloped
By 2020, the government supports thedevelopment of green and sustainableinfrastructures in Lau.
2.3. Education strengthened
By 2025, a minimum of 65% of students
complete secondary school in Lau.
2.4. Transportation improved
By 2025, a reliable schedule of commercial
boats is established between Lau Islands
and Suva to support transportation andmerchandising of products.

Number of communication events between
communities, clusters and government

Number of green infrastructures supported by
the government on each island.

Number of students completing secondary
schoolNumber of Islands connected through regulartransportation per month
Number of trips from Lau to Suva per month

CI staff demonstration of sandalwood planting to students of Yasayasa Moala College

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3. Zonation and protected area network – Soveataki ka maroroi nai vakaso ni wai, veidogo,
veivutia, veicakau ka tokona na veisemati ni Yaubula
3.1. Land-use surveys conducted
Number of inhabited islands with completed
By 2020, all inhabited islands have updated
land-use surveys
land-use surveys.
3.2. Marine use practices
Number of islands with marine practices
assessed
documented
By 2020, marine use practices in each Lau
island are assessed.
3.3. Terrestrial surveys conducted
Number of islands with key terrestrial areas
By 2022, key terrestrial ecological areas inmappedeach Lau island are mapped.
3.4. Marine surveys conducted
Number of islands with mapped marine areas
By 2022, key ecological marine important
areas in each Lau island are mapped.
3.5. Consultations conducted
Number of villages that have access to the
By 2023, the first draft is available to all 72 Lau zonation plan consultationvillages.
3.6. Zonation Plan Bill legalised
Zonation bill endorsed and gazetted
By 2030, the Government of Fiji legally accepts
the Lau Seascape Zonation Plan Bill
3.7. Terrestrial and marine
Number of incidents of non-compliance withzonation implementatedzonation plan
By 2030, each village has implemented natural
Number of islands implementing natural
resource management of terrestrial and marine
resource management as per zonation plan.
areas as per zonation plan.
4. Ecosystem restoration and invasive species eradication – Vakasulumi vakamatau na nodai
Yaubula mai na dela ni vanua kina veicakau kei na waitui loa ka valuti na kau/ika/manumanu vuka
vulagi4.1. Restoration plans designed
Number of designated islands with a
By 2025, the restoration plan is in place in each Restoration Plan in placedesignated island for ecosystem restoration.
4.2. Invasive species managed
Number of infested islands with an Eradication
By 2025, an invasive species eradication plan is Plan
formulated and implemented in infested islands
in Lau.
4.3. Skills developed
Number of communities trained in the removal
By 2025, local communities are trained onof other terrestrial and marine invasive species
removal techniques, documentation andmaintenance of all invasive species.
4.4. CoTs managed
Number of communities trained in CoTs
By 2025, local communities are trained on
removalthe removal techniques, documentation andmaintenance of number of crown-of-thorns(Bula) at an appropriate level.
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5. Increase local capacity in Lau to safeguard Yaubula – Vakalevutaki na wiliwili ni tabagone kei
na uabula era tiko e Vanua me qaravi ka maroroi/tagomaki ni Yaubula
5.1. Sustainable production
adoptedBy 2021, communities adopt an ecologicalintegrated approach to sustainable production(skills and knowledge).
5.2. Chemical distribution
reducedBy 2025, distribution of chemicals to Lau by
Ministry of Agriculture reduced by 80%.
5.3. Eco-certification designed
By 2025, 30% of the area under cultivation oneach inhabited island is eco-certified.
5.4. Number of small-scalebusinesses increased
By 2025, there is an increase in the number ofsmall-scale businesses on each island by 30%
from the actual status.
5.5. Average income increased
By 2025, the average incomes in Lau islands
is increased by 30% from existing statistics
period.

Number of communities adopting a sustainableproduction approach

Percentage of chemicals distributed to Lau by
the Ministry of Agriculture

Percentage of cultivated areas on each
inhabited island eco-certified
Percentage increase in the number of smallscale businesses

Percentage increase in the average Income

6. Develop community patrols
6.1. Fish wardens trained
Number of fishers trained on each island
By 2023, all the identified fishers in each island
are trained as fish wardens.
6.2. Legal patrol authorized
Percentage of trained fishers receiving a legal
By 2023, all the trained fishers receive a legal patrol authorisation
patrol authorisation.
6.3. Fish wardens adopted
Number of islands with a community fishing
By 2025, each island has a regular community patrol
fishing patrol.
7. Develop eco-tourism
7.1 Tourism potential andcapacity assessed
By 2021, each island has been surveyed for
tourism activity potential and capacity.
7.2 Master plan developed
By 2022, a sustainable tourism master plan isdeveloped by communities.
7.3 Master plan legally endorsed
By 2025, the sustainable tourism master planis legally endorsed and implemented.

Number of islands surveyed

Number of communities consulted

Master Plan legally endorsed and gazetted

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Appendix 4 – Complete monitoring plan

Flagtail shrimpgoby, Amblyeleotris yanoi, in Lau waters

TargetGoal

Strategy

Threat Reduction Result

Goal/ Threat Reduction Objective/ Process Objective

Objective

Indicator

Cultural integrity – Nai Tovo kei Na Vakarau Vakavanua
Cultural stewardshipBy 2030, each village and its next generation has improved
traditional and cultural heritage stewardship and spiritual
guidance.

Percentage of young people
joining ceremonial gatherings ineach village/Vuli vakavanua
Number of art and craft
workshops/Vuli cakacaka ni liga
Number of leaders reporting
spiritual upbringing in daylife /Vuli
vakalotu
Number of youths, women andelders participating in transfer of
traditional knowledge
Number of youth trained inleadership

Food security/Maroroi Vakamatau ni Kakana
Food availability
By 2030, all communities have sustainable locally grown foodsupplies for the current and next generations.

Percentage of food locally
produced in Lau
Number of sustainable foodsources in marine and terrestrial
environments

Sustainable livelihoods/Bula Sautu
By 2030, all villages in Lau are characterised by resilient
individuals and communities that have access to education,markets, transportation and food.

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Number of surveyed people
satisfied with their capacity andcapability to access education,markets, transportation and food.

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Mangroves/Veidogo
Maintain mangrove forest coverBy 2030, all islands maintain the current cover (2018 status)of mangrove to support functional diversity.

Mangrove cover in each island
maintained

Restoration
By 2030, all the degraded mangrove areas on each island arerestored.

Percentage of degradedmangrove areas restored on eachislandGoal/ Threat Reduction Objective/ Process
Migratory species/Veitosoyaki ni Ika
Increase population
By 2030, the number of sightings (nestings and pods) of
migratory species is increased by 20% from 2018 levels(September 2018: whales and dolphins)

Number of sightings of nestings(for turtles) during breeding season

Migratory species protection and monitoring
By 2030, all migratory species (turtles, whales, sharks,
mantas) are protected and monitored within Lau waters

Regulation for each migratory
speciesNumber of sightings of pods andindividuals (for whales, sharks andmantasPelagic sea/Waitui Loa
Pelagic sea management
By 2030, all archipelagic waters (inter-island waters) are
under protection/effective management to sustain offshore
ecological function.

Percentage of archipelagic
waters protected/effectively
managedThe anemonefish, Amphiprion pacificus, in Lau waters

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Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Reef/Veicakau
Fish biomass
By 2030, the reef fish biomass is increased by 20% from theexisting level (2013 living ocean foundation surveys)

Percentage of increase in fishbiomass

Fish species (diversity)
Fish diversity
maintained
By 2030, fish diversity is maintained (2017 CI Lau RAP survey)
to support functional biodiversity.
Resilient coral reef systems
By 2030, a 30–40% increase in the live coral cover fromthe existing level (CI Lau RAP 2017) is achieved to enable
functional biodiversity and support resilient coral reef systems

Coral species (diversity)
Giant clams abundance
Percentage of live coral cover
Recruitment location/species oneach island
Sea cucumber presence

Seamounts/Cakau Dromu
Seamounts protection
By 2028, 50% of the mapped seamounts are protected under
the Zonation Plan against commercial industrial fishing.

Percentage of seamounts
protected in Lau

Terrestrial/Vakasoniwai/ Ulunivanua/ Veikau
Forest restoration
By 2030, all the degraded/logged forest areas are restored ineach island.

Percentage of degraded forest
areas restored

Soil quality
By 2030, all agricultural land management is compliant andverified in accordance with the Pacific Organic Standards
with increased soil fertility from the 2018 status to support
biodiversity and livelihood.

Number of agricultural lands
showing absence of heavy metals
and high levels of organic carbon

Virgin forest maintenanceBy 2030, 80% of 2018 area of virgin forest is protected tosupport the functional biodiversity and water cycle.

Percentage of virgin forest area
protected

Water quality and availability
By 2030, the quality and availability of water is maintainedin terrestrial ecosystems and areas to support terrestrial
functional biodiversity and livelihoods.

Quantify amount of water
needed per person a day

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Presence or absence of bacteria
in waterLau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Goal/ Threat Reduction Objective/ Process

Indicator

Reduce the number of crown-of-thorns/Bula
Crown-of-thorns abundance
Number of crown-of-thorns per
By 2025, abundance of crown-of-thorns on reefs is reduced to hectare
a normal/natural level (2–5 per hectare)
Reduced free roaming livestocks
FencesBy 2025, all livestocks are fenced and managed in eachvillage

Free roaming livestock

Reduced illegal fishing by commercial vessels
Illegal fishing by commercial vessels
By 2030, all commercial fishing vessels comply with theregulations of the zonation plan.

Percentage of commercial
vessels complying with thezonation planCommunity surveillance
By 2030, each Lau cluster has community surveillancestructures in place to support enforcement within inshore
areas.
National surveillance
By 2030, an effective national control surveillance system
will be in place in each Lau cluster to support enforcement ofoffshore fishery areas from the regulated buffer zones.

Number of clusters withsurveillance system in place

Number of illegal commercial
vessels prosecuted
Number of illegal commercial
vessels reported to the enforcers(national surveillance)
Number of Lau clusters witha national surveillance system inplace

Reduced illegal fishing by locals
Decrease illegal fishing
By 2025, there is a decrease of at least 50% in illegal fishingby locals.

Number of reported illegal
fishing activities

Reduced over-exploitation of targeted species
Gear restriction
By 2025, 70% of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs)
registered in order to regulate night spearfishing.
Seasonal protection
By 2025, ten of the 30 islands adopt seasonal protection
during spawning durations and life cycle considerations.
Size limitations
By 2025, size limitations for targeted species are respected.

Percentage of LMMAs
regulating night spearfishing
Number of the islands
implementing seasonal protection
Number of villages respecting
size limitations for targeted species

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Reduced physical damage from anchoring
Yacht anchorage
By 2030, all islands will have yacht anchorage zones, inaccordance with the zonation plan, to avoid physical damage
to reefs.

Number of islands with a yacht
anchorage zone
Number of moorings installedon each island
Number of reported incidents
derived from yacht anchoringoutside the anchorage zones

Reduced pollution – Benu ca, Benu vakaveitalia
Implementation of waste management plan
By 2023, each Lau village has implemented a waste
management plan.

Number of Lau villages
implementing the waste
management plan

Reduced terrestrial and marine invasive species
Acacia species
Area covered by Acacia species
By 2025, the Acacia species are reduced to a normal number(to be defined later).
Cyanobacteria
Reef areas affected by
By 2025, the reef areas affected by cyanobacteria are reduced cyanobacteria
to zero.
Reduced unsustainable coastal development
Sustainable coastal development
By 2030, all coastal developments are in compliance with theregulations set by the zonation plan.

Percentage of coastal
developments complying with
Zonation Plan

Reduced unsustainable fishing methods
Fishing practices
By 2025, 60% of unsustainable fishing practices (poisoning,night fishing and set-size regulations) is reduced in eachvillage

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Number of incidences of
unsustainable fishing methods

Lau Seascape Strategy 2018–2030

Helfrich’s Dartfish, Nemateleotris helfrichi, in Lau waters

Reduced unsustainable land-use – Vakayagataki vakaveitalia ni dela ni Vanua
Unsustainable land-use
By 2030, there is no unsustainable land-use (forest fire, useof chemicals, use of inorganic manure, mono-cropping andlogging) in accordance with the zonation plan.

Number of farmers using
inorganic manure
Number of farmers using monocropping farming practices
Number of fire cases reported
to Yaubula Committee
Number of incidents ofencroachment or size of areas
encroached on terrestrial
managed/protected areas
Terrestrial tabu areas effectively
protected
Virgin rainforest areas
effectively protected
Acreage registered as organicin accordance with the PacificOrganic Standards

Reduced unsustainable tourism
Sustainable tourism activities
Number of tourists complying
By 2025, all tourism activities are sustainably coordinated and with master plan directives andmanaged according to the master plan in each island.
regulations
Number of tourists/visitors
records

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