Climate Change & Variability in Tikina Wai, Fiji Islands

An interesting case study of climate change impacts in Tikina Wai, Fiji.

» Download the case study

Reptiles and Amphibians of the Trans-Fly Region, New Guinea

A Pacific Biological Survey done for WWF in August 2006 revealed that the Trans-Fly region is the richest area in New Guinea for snakes and non marine turtles and are of special conservation concern.

» Download a copy of this report

Freshwater turtles of the TransFly region of Papua New Guinea

Notes on diversity, distribution, reproduction, harvest and trade

While their biology in Australia is reasonably well known, freshwater turtle species in New Guinea are very poorly known despite their high diversity, especially in the southern lowlands. In this paper, Arthur Georges, Fiorenzo Guarino and Biatus Bito report on the diversity, distribution, habitat and reproductive biology of the freshwater turtles of the TransFly region of the Western Province of Papua New Guinea, with special emphasis on reproduction. A key to the freshwater turtles of the TransFly region is provided. Harvest methods, consumption, and trade in turtles by the TransFly communities are documented.

The report also acknowledges the mounting pressure to take advantage of revenue opportunities afforded by the Asian turtle trade. It warns that there are significant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed and factored into a management plan before local communities can capitalise on the commercial opportunities provided by the turtle fauna without risking collapse of the resource and their subsistence economy.

» Download a copy of this report

Kokoda Track Strategic Plan

The "Eco-Trekking Kokoda Strategy"1, in April 2006, aims to develop a World Heritage listed sustainable eco-trekking destination across the Kokoda Track and to support local management to deal with threats such as mining and logging.

The strategy was prepared by the Kokoda Track Foundation, the Kokoda Track Authority, WWF and the University of Technology Sydney following consultations with over 500 landowners, trekking operators, government and community groups.

» Download the plan

Poster: Are you responsible? Fisheries regulations say it is prohibited to...

As part of its efforts to promote the protection and sustainable management of the Bismarck Solomon Seas Ecoregion, WWF Solomon Islands has developed a new poster for use by the Solomon Islands national government Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, provincial governments, NGO and community-based organization partners. The poster provides information on the Solomon Islands National Fisheries Regulations and highlights key marine resources under threat in that require sustainable marine management at both community and national levels.

» Download the poster

Factsheet on farmed aquarium products from Solomon Islands

Creating new rural livelihoods

Tropical aquarium trade is well established in Solomon Islands and has become an important source of cash for some villagers. Reef organisms and corals collected around the country are flown or taken by boat to the capital Honiara. Here exporters provide the vital link for villagers to access the global market.

However, some methods of capture of marine organisms are likely to place unsustainable environmental pressure on the region as demand increases. Over-fishing and the use of destructive techniques are growing problems in the Pacific...

» Download the factsheet

Vision launched for conserving Asia Pacific’s wetland jewel

A conservation vision to conserve one of the Asia Pacific’s largest, richest and most pristine savanna wetlands located on the island of New Guinea has been launched.

The vision aims to preserve one of the most important centres of biological diversity in the world, the TransFly. This unique coastal landscape of grasslands, savannas, wetlands and monsoon forest habitats spans 10 million hectares and straddles the international border of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

» Three New and Unique Protected Areas in PNG

» A Biodiversity Vision for the Transfly

2006 is the Year of the Sea Turtle

Today, six of the seven living species of marine turtle are classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered. Populations of green turtles are estimated to have declined globally by around 60% over the last 50 years. Fiji and the Solomon Islands are important foraging grounds for green turtles. Hence the urgent need to conserve them and their relatives.

Here you can download the latest posters and factsheet from the campaign or order printed copies:

Posters:

• WARNING » It is Illegal to kill turtles in Fiji
  » Download the poster (1MB) or order a printed copy
• Save a Cultural Icon from Exctinction!
  » Download the poster (0.5MB) or order a printed copy

Wallpaper your Desktop! and spread the turtle message to your colleagues!
Choose a Turtle Wallpaper »

Factsheet: Fiji Marine Turtles » Download PDF (1.4MB)

Matchbox: Buy matches in Fiji and support the Year of the Sea Turtle Campaign!

New Protected Areas for PNG

There are few more dramatic landscapes on earth than the Mount Bosavi region. This 2,400 m extinct volcano, rises out of deeply creviced limestone hills. In the distance is the dramatic WassiFalls (a clear rival to Niagara) and Lake Kutubu with its 12 endemic fish species. Together, theKikori River catchment is one of the most spectacular in the Asia Pacific.

But it is not just the scenery that is important. This region supports more unique animal species than many other parts of New Guinea.

Want to know more about the regions now under protection in PNG?

Download the Protected Areas Descriptions for Bosavi, Madang, Sepik, Transfly, and Wiad

Seven From Mountain to Sea : Asia Pacific River Basin Big Wins

ACROSS ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, WWF is pursuing strategic and innovative programmes that will deliver significant achievements, stimulate attention, and leverage commitment to an ambitious 50 year conservation agenda for ecosystems in the region.

As part of this process, seven river basin teams have charted a course of collaboration, campaigning and action that will bring about key conservation wins in their rivers and surrounding terrestrial ecosystems by September 2006.

Download the new booklet

Fiji's Great Sea Reef: Hidden Gem of the Pacific.

In December 2004, WWF and partners undertook the first systematic effort to document the marine biodiversity of this spectacular reef system. The findings of a 12 day survey revealed a staggering array of life, including a new species of fish.

The Great Sea Reef, locally known as Cakaulevu, is located to the north of Vanua Levu and covers an estimated area of around 202,700sq km. Of the total number of species recorded in Fiji, the Great Sea Reef has some of the highest percentages recorded.

Download the report and summary of findings in this little known area of the Pacific

Climate Change Posters: What is climate change and what can you do about it?

How is climate change impacting us in the pacific? What causes climate change? And what can you do about it? Learn about all of this and more with some very relevant tips to preserving your freshwater, improving agriculture, taking care of forests and more!

Download the posters for your community, school or home

Climate Witness: A Community Toolkit

This Climate Witness Toolkit is the result of a process undertaken on Kabara, Fiji, (the first Climate Witness site in the Pacific) to document local impacts of climate change and to devise appropriate adaptation measures that local communities can implement themselves.

Mapping is one very useful tool explained in depth. It is useful in determining the spatial distribution of certain aspects of our environment, may it be traditional boundaries, homesteads, agricultural areas or fishing grounds. This tool is useful in aiding the community to develop, record, organise and present information about their surroundings.

Download the Climate Witness Community Toolkit