Nestled within Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone, Cakaulevu is the world’s third-longest barrier reef system. It is an underwater metropolis teeming with astonishing biodiversity. 55% of fish, 74% of hard coral, and 40% of the algae species known to exist in Fiji call this landscape home.

Life beneath the water is intrinsically connected to the lives of those who live above: 33% of Fiji’s population lives near the biodiversity hotspot. A major tourism hub, it generates over a quarter of Fiji’s GDP and is a source of nearly two-thirds of Fijian inshore fish for consumption.

The Great Sea Reef also encompasses 340 km² of mangrove forests that play an invaluable role in protecting coastal communities from surging sea levels and cyclones. The future of Southern Hemispheres third longest continuous reef affects not only the lives of those who live above and below it, but also the reef system and its biodiversity itself.

WWF has successfully made the Great Sea Reef the core of national government commitments for protection and management. Prior to 2005, national awareness of this ecosystem was practically non-existent.

Today, WWF works collaboratively with communities living alongside the Great Sea Reef, uniting and empowering them to collectively and responsibly manage their precious natural resources. Together, we are expanding and improving the management of protected and conserved areas so that both communities and nature have everything they need to thrive.

With as yet untold numbers of turtle nesting sites falling within the Great Sea Reef Seascape, we also work hand in hand with communities to monitor and protect critical breeding and feeding sites for key species of turtles, as well as for sharks and rays.

Spotlights include...