The Gift of GIS Tablets to Support Fiji Conservation Efforts

New technology empowers Provincial Conservation Officers to enhance sustainable resource management.

By Losa Huntington

SUVA, Fiji – The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Oceania Regional Office has provided Geographic Information System (GIS) tablets to the iTaukei Affairs Board, enhancing conservation efforts across Fiji.

The tablets, handed over on Monday, will assist Provincial Conservation Officers (PCOs) in making real-time, data-driven decisions to better manage Fiji’s natural resources. The use of GIS technology aims to improve sustainable development and protect the nation’s biodiversity.

“This initiative underscores the importance of accurate data in conservation and development,” IUCN Oceania said in a statement. “We are thrilled to support Fiji in achieving its sustainability goals.”

The program is supported by Oceans 5’s Vibrant Oceans Initiative and the Waitt Institute’s Marine Spatial Planning project, with financial assistance facilitated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Fiji. The combined efforts of these organizations, along with the Government of Fiji and the iTaukei Affairs Board, have helped bring advanced tools to grassroots-level conservation initiatives.

Fiji’s commitment to marine conservation has been longstanding. In 2021, the government partnered with the Waitt Institute to launch the Blue Prosperity Fiji program, which aims to sustainably manage 100% of Fiji’s ocean and marine resources. The program includes a goal of designating 30% of Fiji’s waters as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.

The iTaukei Affairs Board is integral to aligning conservation efforts with Fiji’s indigenous communities, ensuring initiatives respect and incorporate cultural values. The addition of GIS technology is expected to strengthen local conservation management and support broader national and global sustainability goals.

IUCN emphasized its ongoing dedication to collaborating with governments, communities, and partners to protect ecosystems and enhance resilience to climate change. “Together, we can strive for a sustainable future where both people and nature thrive,” the organization said.