Protected Areas

Vatuvara Island Reserve

Vatuvara is an unspoiled paradise ‒ a 1200-acre privately-owned island and natural reserve. It is a safe haven that supports healthy populations of threatened species, including humphead wrasses, giant clams, bumphead parrotfish, including the unique and endangered coconut crabs. Our surrounding beaches have been identified as vital green and hawksbill sea turtle nesting grounds. It is an untouched paradise maintained for prosperity. Vatuvara Island is a critical area for both marine and terrestrial species. Vatuvara Private Islands and Vatuvara Foundation are working with communities on awareness of threatened species, marine management, and poaching surveillance within their traditional fishing grounds.

Yacata Island Tabu

In 2017, the community of Yacata Island declared a part of their traditional fishing grounds a no-take marine protected area or tabu in Fijian. Vatuvara Foundation and community members from Yacata Island officially closed the lagoonal area for five years with a traditional blessing and boundary demarcation using buoys.

The decision to close their reefs happened after education and awareness conducted by Vatuvara Foundation in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society and Ministry of Fisheries. Vatuvara Foundation has been working closely with Yacata Island on the importance of safeguarding their marine resources for future generations.