RESTORING REEFS AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES IN FIJI

Fiji’s reefs are some of the world’s most ecologically significant, and hold great social, cultural and economic value for coastal communities. However, rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are placing coral reefs under stress, leading to increased coral bleaching. WWF-Australia is committed to protecting nature and empowering communities to thrive in the face of climate change.

This commitment was exemplified through our work in Fiji, where we partnered with Kyeema Foundation and Corals for Conservation to support local communities to restore coral reefs and build climate resilience. This initiative reflects our values of inclusion, ecological restoration through nature-based solutions.

As part of the Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN) program—an Australian Government-funded initiative in partnership with WWF-Australia, communities are leading the identification, collection and propagation of bleach-resistant ‘super corals” and the restoration of mangrove ecosystems. These efforts are reviving marine habitats while diversifying livelihoods. Improved chicken-raising practices aim to reduce pressure on fish stocks and provide a reliable protein source, contributing to food security and economic stability.

Portrait of Eremasi Masi ., community member of Uluibai Village on Moturiki Island. Lomaiviti Province, Fiji. This is part of the project, Community-led Coral Reef Restoration: Community, Corals and Chickens is implemented by Kyeema Foundation and Corals for Conservation. It is supported by Climate Resilient by Nature, an Australia Government funded initative in partnership with WWF-Australia focused on amplifying nature-based solutions. © WWF-Australia / Tom Vierus

Aerial view of Uluibai Village on Moturiki Island. Lomaiviti Province, Fiji. © WWF-Australia / Tom Vierus

The project is helping communities adapt to climate impacts while protecting biodiversity. Coral nurseries were established and monitored by local coral gardeners, including young Indigenous scientists like Wilson Hazelman, who are leading the way in reef restoration.

Over the past 12 months, this inclusive, community-led approach has started to deliver tangible ecological and social outcomes, including:

Coral and mangrove nurseries have been established to allow ecosystems to regenerate, improving reef health and coastal protection.
Livelihoods have diversified through sustainable agriculture and tourism.
Community resilience has strengthened through training, monitoring and local leadership.
The initiative has inspired regional replication including Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

This project is part of Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN), an Australian Government funded initiative in partnership with WWF-Australia.