The Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park encompasses Vatu-i-Ra Island and over 100 square kilometers of reefs, lagoons, terraces and pinnacles off the northern coast of Viti Levu.
Vatu-i-Ra Island supports a multitude of breeding seabirds, earning it the nickname “Bird Island” and classification as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.
The nine species of seabirds that call the island home include black noddies (Anous tenuirostris), red-footed and brown boobies (Sula sula and Sula leucogaster), lesser frigatebirds (Fregata ariel) and several species of tern.
Dolphins, whales, sea turtles and over 100 species of fish populate the diverse marine ecosystems surrounding the island.
The Conservation Park was established to protect the remarkable biodiversity of both its marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and to preserve its cultural history.
The “spillover” effect from high fish populations within the park will also benefit the traditional fishing ground (qoliqoli) of Cokovata Nakorotubu.
Nearly 80% of Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park is a “no-take” zone, including all of Vatu-i-Ra Island.
The remainder of the park is a “catch-and-release” zone open to sustainable, recreational fishing.
The People
Vatu-i-Ra Island is traditionally owned by the Nagilogilo clan, while the surrounding waters fall within the traditional fishing grounds known as qoliqoli Cokovata Nakorotubu.
The island is highly culturally important, and has been monitored and managed for invasive species since 2007 by the Nagilogilo clan with the support of BirdLife International.
Villages in the region are dependent on their environment, relying on fish and sea cucumbers for income and sustenance.
The communities with traditional access rights to Qoliqoli Cokovata Nakorotubu are involved in the management of the park, and benefit from the spillover effect the park has on its fisheries.
How was the Park Established?
The 110.5 square kilometres Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park was established in 2017 through a unique partnership with locally-based tourism operators, dive liveaboard operators, the communities from Nakorotubu District, the Ra Provincial Office, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Fiji Environmental Law Association, and BirdLife International.
Together these partners established the Conservation Park over Vatu Island and the surrounding waters, and developed a management plan to protect the Park’s rich biodiversity.
This plan has been endorsed by the Ministries of Fisheries, Environment, iTaukei Affairs and Tourism.
How is the Park Funded?
All visitors to the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park are charged FJ$15 per person, valid for one calendar year.
The visitor fee is critical for the day-to-day management of the Park.
Your contribution will also support the Nakorotubu Education Fund that has been established for local children from Nakorotubu District to assist them with their tertiary education.
There is a Management Committee that helps run the Conservation Park, and the funds are managed by a Board of Trustees, registered under Fiji Laws, to ensure transparency and accountability on the use of funds.
This fee is voluntary and if you do not want to pay it your local tourism operator will refund you the money. If you want to make extra donations, you can also do so through your local dive operator.
We thank you for supporting the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park. Please feel free to send us any feedback or suggestions.
Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park Trust
The official Trust Deed was officially and legally enacted by the Trustees in 2019.
The newly appointed Board of Trustees for the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park Trust Deed, the Executive Director of the Fiji Environmental Law Association, Kiji Vukikomoala, Sione Gonewai of Nasau Village in Ra and the Fiji Country Program Director of Wildlife Conservation Society, Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai.
Park Contacts
Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park Management Committee
- Committee Chairman: Mr Emori Latibau
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 9571940
Ra Provincial Council
- Roko Tui Ra : Mr Paula Delaivuna
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 9904165
Wildlife Conservation Society
- Country Director: Dr Sangeeta Mangubhai
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 331 5174