| Iucn category | II |
|---|---|
| Location | Viti Levu, Fiji |
| Nearest city | Suva |
| Coordinates | 17°59′1″S 178°10′56″E |
| Area | 20 km² |
| Established | 2006 |
| Governing body | National Trust of Fiji |
The Sovi Basin is located in Naitasiri Province, on the island of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. Covering approximately 19,600 hectares, the basin is blanketed by a well-preserved tropical lowland forest, which is Fiji's largest and most biologically diverse.[1] Sovi basin resides within the Polynesia/Micronesia biodiversity hotspot, one of 34 hot spots throughout the globe. The site is to be protected in a partnership between Fiji Water and Conservation International.[2] The organisation’s Fiji country programme, Conservation International Fiji, supported work contributing to the establishment of the conservation area, including stakeholder coordination and development of management and conservation-lease arrangements with landowners.[3][4] The rainforest, wilderness area and high scenic valley contribute to its national significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.[5]
A 40,700 hectares (101,000 acres) area covering the basin is the Sovi Basin Important Bird Area. This area supports the largest protected populations of many of Fiji's restricted-range species, including the endangered Long-legged thicketbird, the vulnerable Pink-billed parrotfinch and Shy Ground-dove, and the near threatened Masked shining parrot.[6]
World Heritage Status
This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on October 26, 1999 in the Cultural category.[7]
References
- ^ "Sovi Basin - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". whc.unesco.org. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
- ^ Fiji Water Announces Sustainable Growth Initiative With Commitment To Help Mitigate Global Climate Change
- ^ Keppel, Gunnar; Morrison, Clare; Hardcastle, James; Rounds, Isaac A.; Wilmott, Ian Karika; Hurahura, Francis; Shed, Patterson K. (2012). "Conservation in tropical Pacific island countries: case studies of successful programmes" (PDF). PARKS. 18 (1): 112-119. doi:10.2305/IUCN.CH.2012.PARKS-18-1.GK.en
- ^ CBD Strategy and Action Plan - Fiji (English version) (PDF). Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- ^ Ganilau, Bernadette Rounds (2007). Fiji Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Convention on Biological Diversity. pp. 107–112. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
- ^ "BirdLife Data Zone: Sovi Basin". datazone.birdlife.org
- ^ "Sovi Basin - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". whc.unesco.org. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 28 May 2017.