Riding the Rapids, Protecting the Wildlife: A Conservation Adventure

Fiji is home to some of the world's most unique and diverse wildlife, from vibrant coral reefs to lush rainforests teeming with endemic species. Its protected areas and wetlands serve as critical sanctuaries for these species, ensuring their survival amidst growing environmental challenges. The Upper Navua Conservation Area is one such haven where nature thrives in its purest form.

Our small raft bobbed on the surface of the pristine river, carrying five of us, each gripping our paddles tightly. The guide instructed us to sit on the edges, emphasizing the importance of balance and teamwork. We exchanged eager glances, ready to take on the mighty rapids ahead.

With a sudden jolt, we plunged into the first rapid. A massive splash of clear but icy water drenched us, sending an electrifying shock through my body. The sheer force of the river was both exhilarating and intimidating. The raft twisted and turned, carried by the powerful current. My grip on the paddle tightened as we navigated the relentless waves.

Then, it happened. A sudden drop, a violent surge of water, and before I knew it—I was in the river. My heart stopped for a moment. The cold water engulfed me, pulling me under. For a split second, I thought I was gone. But then, just as quickly as I went down, I popped back up. My life jacket did its job, keeping me afloat.

I gasped for air, my eyes darting around. The guide watched me intently, signalling with his hand to check if I was okay. What could I say? I just nodded, still catching my breath. In the background, I could hear my fellow rafters' loud cheers of excitement. Their energy fueled my determination.

Grabbing onto the rope along the raft's edge, I pulled myself back in, my arms burning from the effort. I collapsed onto the seat, drenched but grinning. The initial fear had vanished, replaced by an even greater excitement. If I thought the adventure was thrilling before, now it was on another level.

With my paddle back in hand, I was ready for more. The fun had just tripled, and I was fully immersed in the thrill of whitewater rafting. The river continued its wild dance. I was now part of its rhythm, embracing every wave, every splash, and every moment of this unforgettable adventure.

This vividly recalls my first time at the Upper Navua Conservation Area, a region protected under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention was established to protect wetlands worldwide, ensuring their continued ecological integrity and function. Wetlands are unique ecosystems where water saturates the soil, seasonally or permanently. While mangrove swamps are commonly recognized as wetlands in Fiji, river systems, known as "riverine wetlands," also fall under this classification. These wetlands support vegetation adapted to saturated soil conditions, mainly along riverbanks and floodplains where water flow slows down.

Wetlands are essential to maintaining biodiversity, offering a vital habitat for numerous species and providing ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, carbon storage, and livelihood opportunities for local communities. Recognizing their importance, the Ramsar Convention was established in 1971, coming into force in 1975. Today, 172 parties have designated 2,531 sites as Ramsar wetlands, covering over 257 million hectares worldwide. Interestingly, even coral reefs qualify as wetlands under Ramsar’s broad definition. Often called the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs harbour over a quarter of all marine species and provide food security, coastal protection, and economic opportunities for nearly 500 million people in tropical coastal regions.

The convention protects two Ramsar sites in Fiji: the Upper Navua Conservation Area (UNCA) and the Qoliqoli Cokovata.

The Upper Navua Conservation Area:

• Fiji’s first Ramsar site was designated in 2006.

• It is located in the Province of Serua on Viti Levu.

• Home to many native and endemic species, including freshwater fish, birds, and sago palms.

• A vital resource for the local community, providing food, building materials, medicine, and transportation.

The Qoliqoli Cokovata:

• Fiji’s second Ramsar site is on the north coast of Vanua Levu.

• Part of Fiji’s Great Sea Reef, the third-longest barrier reef system in the world.

• Supports a variety of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.

• It is a nursery ground for commercially important fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and sea cucumbers.

• Threatened by chemical and wastewater runoff from sugarcane farms and a mill.

My first visit to the Upper Navua Conservation Area was in 2011 when I served as a Fijian government Biodiversity Officer. More than a decade later, I continue to work in conservation, albeit in a different capacity. Back then, I was the Conservation Strategy and Planning Officer; today, I lead the Protected and Conserved Areas Programme for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Oceania.

IUCN, a global authority on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, is crucial in safeguarding natural resources through innovative solutions and multi-stakeholder collaboration. One of our flagship projects, the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme, supports conservation efforts across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Funded by the European Union, BIOPAMA provides essential resources, training, and governance tools to strengthen protected areas and ensure the sustainable management of biodiversity.

The protection of wildlife remains a key priority for IUCN. Wetlands provide flourishing wildlife, and protected areas help conserve these areas. The Ramsar Secretariat is housed within IUCN’s headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. While both Ramsar sites and protected areas share the goal of conserving biodiversity, their distinction lies in their scope: protected areas can encompass a wide range of ecosystems, while Ramsar sites specifically safeguard internationally significant wetlands. Despite these differences, coordinated management strategies are essential to preserving the critical habitats that support global biodiversity.

My journey—from that thrilling rafting adventure in the Upper Navua River to leading conservation initiatives in the Pacific—has reinforced my deep appreciation for these extraordinary ecosystems. It has also fuelled my passion for ensuring that wetlands and other protected areas receive the recognition, support, and sustainable management they deserve. After all, these natural wonders are not just places of adventure and beauty; they are lifelines for countless species and indispensable for maintaining the balance of nature.

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About the Writer:

Rahul Arvind Chand works at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as the Programme Coordinator for Protected and Conserved Areas in Oceania. He has over 15 years of experiences in biodiversity protected and management working in policy, governance and implementation within the Pacific Island Countries. He can be contacted on [email protected]