NatureFiji-MareqetiViti

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti was launched on 30th June2007, as the working arm of the Fiji Nature Conservation Trust, a non-profit making, non-governmental, non-political and charitable Trust, registered in Fiji under the Charitable Trusts Act (Cap. 67).
That NatureFiji-MareqetiViti is run according to the Trust’s mission will be the responsibility of a board of seven trustees. When NatureFiji-MareqetiViti has reached critical momentum, a member-elected council will be responsible for the policy and direction adopted by a small secretariat which will run day to day operations.

Our Mission
Overview of Fiji's Biodiversity and Conservation Sector
Is There a Need for an NGO?
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti Set Up and Growth Startegy
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti Programmes

Download our Start Up Plan and our Strategic Plan

Our Mission

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti-MareqetiViti's mission is to enhance biodiversity and habitat conservation, endangered species protection and sustainable use of natural resources of the Fiji Islands through the promotion of collaborative conservation action, awareness raising, education, research and biodiversity information exchange

back to top

Overview of  Fiji’s Biodiversity  and Conservation Sector

Fiji’s terrestrial biodiversity resources of Fiji are of global importance. As is true of most isolated island groups, Fiji’s terrestrial flora and fauna demonstrate a high degree of endemism (unique occurrence of species within a limited geographic area)—over half (56 percent) of Fiji’s 1,594 known plant species are endemic, with some groups being completely or almost entirely endemic (e.g., 24 of 25 native species of palms in Fiji are endemic). More than 40 percent of the native forest cover of the islands is still intact, and some islands, like Taveuni, still have contiguous forest cover stretching from the mountain peaks to the coast. Forested areas provide habitat for a wide array of unique birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, insects and other invertebrates.
Unfortunately, Fiji’s Protected Areas System remains poorly developed both in terms of ecosystem representativeness and availability for visitor access and appreciation
In contrast to many of its neighbours Fiji does not have a nature conservation or wildlife non-government organization, however, many international NGOs have set up in Fiji and currently at least seven operate in the country. While Fiji has benefited greatly from their presence, particularly in respect of employment opportunities and the resources they bring, there are some downsides. The lack of local NGO development, lack of local conservation management capacity development and the precedence of global as opposed to national or cultural concerns

back to top

Is there a Need for a Local NGO?

Given the presence of these international NGOs, is there a need for a local wildlife conservation NGO ? The answer to this question is most definitely yes. Local NGO’s are best placed to embed conservation principles locally,  through credible programmes and on the ground achievements.  For all NGO’s this takes a real determination, and is often best achieved through local action for local issues.
A national Fijian NGO’s agenda will be determined locally and is likely to be in Fiji’s best interests.  Being run by locals for local benefit and being able to generate membership locally gives great strength to the local NGO’s voice.   International NGO’s agenda’s are not always adapted for the local context, and they may struggle to be as close to local communities as a local NGO.
The challenge for all NGO’s is generating the funds necessary to achieve their agendas and to be able to do this over time as successful conservation, especially community-based conservation is not achieved in short time frames. As well as the financial resources required it takes time, perseverance and consistent engagement on conservation issues to effect change. 
For all NGOs  there are administrative costs and overheads that need to  be met.   Initially these are typically met by the voluntary endeavours of a few dedicated individuals and this can not be sustained over time if the NGO  has an ongoing function and if it aspires to succeed.  This ongoing need for core support needs to be recognised as a critical success factor. Without this, the efforts of a few tireless and well intentioned individuals typically die away over time.  Doing ad hoc projects driven by funders is another possible outcome.  To mitigate these risks administrative support is vital from the outset and all prudent and credible NGO’s do this with transparency and a lean attitude.
Much can be learnt by the local NGO from the international NGO’s as they are experienced and sophisticated fundraisers. Their grant application machinery using the issues present in countries such as Fiji shows that international resources can be attracted to conservation in Fiji.  There is a  perception that their presence  has stifled the formation of a local conservation constituency and local conservation NGOs. However, the reality is that this may be a function of many other factors including timing, awareness by Fijians of their own heritage, and other preconditions for local NGO establishment not being met e.g. dedicated individual who have the determination to make this NGO happen.
Another common perception is that the international donor funding cycles dictate short term projects, with reports of communities with unfulfilled expectations.  Complaints of lack of follow-up and hopelessly inflated claims of success are able to be levelled at any organisation.  Such organisations are characterised by limited resources, a project approach, being donor driven rather than having a well conceived strategy that engages properly with the local communities and attempts to understand and meet their aspirations.
Nature Fiji understands these complexities.  It believes that now is the time to set up a local NGO because the preconditions for success are in place. In this respect NatureFiji-MareqetiViti:

• has a team of highly-experienced and dedicated locals who want to make the NGO successful;

• has administrative support built into its plans;

• has developed an  initial programme focus;

• believes passionately that a membership base will be a  strength and have realistic  plans to recruit supporters;

• is committed to developing the conservation heart of Fiji through programmes which reach school children;

• recognises that it cannot deliver conservation alone and will work Government, and with others who share similar gaols; and

• has a realistic financial  projection.

Click here for more information

back to top

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti Set Up and Growth Strategy

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti has steadily built up a firm foundation from which to grow the NGO. Over a period of a year it has located a strong and committed Patron and Board of Trustees and it has identified the initial Council members. It has an office and part time staff who will run the organization until funding is secured and it has identified a suite of candidate programmes for the NatureFiji-MareqetiViti launch.
Initially NatureFiji-MareqetiViti will be located in the office of

Environment Consultants (Fiji) Ltd.
259 Prince’s Rd.,
Suva.

and will be managed by a trustee, Dick Watling (refer www.environmentfiji.com) utilizing Environment Consultants’ staff and volunteers, as necessary and /or available.
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti plans to establish its secretariat through successful project fund raising and grant application. The timing of this cannot be predicted but it is envisaged that it will be in the third or fourth quarter after launch. It is planned for the secretariat to be appointed and housed in its own office within a year after the launch.

back to top

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti Programmes

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti intends to work in five programme areas. Click here for more details on the programmes.