The Government on Tuesday approved the nomination of a significant part of the Great Sea Reef or Cakaulevu Reef as a Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands.

The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

While launching the International Year of the Reef 2018 at Nukubati Island in Macuata yesterday Prime Minister and COP23 President Voreqe Bainimarama said the Government took an important step in protecting the Great Sea Reef or Cakaulevu Reef ensuring its management and protection for future generation.

“I look forward to returning here in the near future to formally launch this initiative.”

He said it was about time for people to protect their natural resources.

“The reefs are slowly dying and we are here today to issue a plea to the world to summon the collective will to reverse this process,” Mr Bainimarama.

“We need to save our coral reefs before it is too late.”

Mr Bainimarama thanked the Tui Macuata and his people, and partner organisations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for their leadership in protecting the coral reef.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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