Conservation International Fiji

29/05/2026

What inspires someone to dedicate their life to protecting nature?

For Johnson Cereda, Vice President of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Engagement and Partnerships at Conservation International, it started with a pre-historic bird, fascinating animal behavior, and a growing appreciation for the knowledge held within communities — and grew into a passion for connecting that knowledge to global policy.

We’re thrilled to bring you the latest installment of My ‘Why’, our series about the unexpected twists and turns that led people to choose conservation as their calling. These are real-life journeys – sometimes hair-raising, sometimes humorous, always heartfelt – told by the people who lived them.

21/05/2026

Beautiful mornings are a given with nature showing up in thriving fashion.

Our Teams are out and about at our Nanukuloa project site setting up lines and starting the reforest activity. Nature based conservation action that will bring back healthy beautiful native trees, lending to the aesthetics of resilient, vibrant landscapes.

We can’t wait and are so excited to see the change.

Shout out to the people of Nanukuloa who are leading us in a masterclass of HOPE.

20/05/2026

Sharing our video submission to the Philanthropy Asia Alliance 2026 Summit.

Song was sung by the children of Vanuavatu Primary School. The words of their song echo enthusiasm for a bright future, with video footage paying homage to the past. We know HOPE is here to stay in the Lau Group.

19/05/2026

Lau Seascape on the International Stage.

At the Philanthropy Asia Alliance Summit 2026, the Lau Seascape Initiative was presented as one of Fiji’s most ambitious conservation projects — a model of how Pacific-led solutions can inspire global partnerships.

Turaga na Roko Sau, Semisi Meo Fiji’s Technical Director and Sepeti Tagilalae, CI Fiji’s Sustainable Finance Director, joined partners and donors to spotlight how Indigenous leadership and sustainable finance are shaping conservation goals and ambitions across Fiji and the Pacific.

With support from Philanthropy Asia Alliance and other partners, CI’s Lau Seascape Initiative is protecting 335,000 km² of ocean while ensuring conservation creates real economic opportunities:

• The Lau Community Resilience Fund (Trust) will support climate adaptation and livelihood programs for 9,600 Indigenous people who rely on the ocean daily.

• The Blue Economy Loan Fund with the Fiji Development Bank will expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises in sustainable tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and other ocean sectors — supporting 2,000 ocean‑dependent households.

By bringing Lau to the international stage, partners and donors are rallying behind a vision that connects nature, culture, and livelihoods into one system — showing how Pacific communities can lead the way in global conservation.

📢 Follow along for more updates from CI at and .

18/05/2026

🌱 Nursing Forests to Protect Communities 🌱

Conservation International Fiji has set up a nursery at our Ra Field Office to support the reforest program led by our conservation site communities.

Today we received seedlings from the Ministry of Forests (M*F) to help with planting at the Nanukuloa and Tokaimalo sites.

This nursery will provide seedlings for local communities as they restore forests, protect ecosystems, and strengthen resilience for the future.

Shout out to our Ra Field Office staff for the passion supporting community led initiatives with sustainable nature based solutions.

18/05/2026

🌺 International Museum Day 2026 – Vinaka vakalevu Fiji Museum 🌺

Today’s celebration at the Fiji Museum was a reminder of how culture and conservation walk hand in hand. From the stories shared inside the galleries to the voices of artisans outside, the day brought together heritage, community, and care for our environment.

Conservation International Fiji, through the Lau Seascape initiative, was proud to stand alongside the Fiji Museum, UNESCO Pacific, and all partners in marking this special occasion.

✨ What stood out today:

- Families and students exploring Fiji’s history with free entry.
- Artisans and vendors showcasing creativity rooted in tradition.
- Partners across culture, environment, and community working together.

We had the opportunity to speak with many artisans who graced our information tent, including the Regional Culture Program Specialist for UNESCO, Ms. Sara Garcia de Ugarte.

Vinaka vakalevu to the Fiji Museum team and every partner who made this day possible. May the foundations of our past continue to inspire us to protect our culture, our people, and our ocean for tommorow. 🌊🌿

13/05/2026

🌿 Marking Boundaries, Securing Futures 🌿

This week we came to an achievement towards the protection of coastal ecosystems in Fiji. The Mangrove 2025 Boundary was formally presented to the Director of Lands — the result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Forests and Conservation International under the Blue Carbon Project.

Culmination of commendable work put in by our Blue Carbon Team. Why does this matter? Because boundaries aren’t just lines on a map. They are a show of commitments that;

✨ Safeguard mangrove forests that shield communities from storms and rising seas.
✨ Protect biodiversity by securing habitats for fish, crabs, and countless marine species.
✨ Strengthen climate resilience through ecosystems that store carbon and sustain livelihoods.

By defining the Mangrove 2025 Boundary, Fiji is taking a bold step to ensure these ecosystems remain a source of protection, prosperity, and pride for generations to come.

Together, we are charting a future where mangroves stand strong — for people, for nature, for the Pacific. 🌊💙 HOPE is here to stay.

06/05/2026

Our HOPE Ambassadors have recently returned from scoping surveys to Vanuavatu in Lau. Throughout their time in the field they have been able to gather baseline data, start the consultations and raise awareness so communities are deploy ready when the Coral Reef and Forest Restoration Plan is launched.

A big vinaka vakalevu to the partnership from the Ministry of Forestry. The expertise and service of their staff in the Research Division is inspiring.

A highlight of the community outreach was with school consultations, to begin their tree planting activities within the school compound.

The excitement and enthusiasm is clear highlighting that the children understand the critical connection between protecting nature and livelihoods.

As the team gears down with reports and debriefs, it is clear that the school interactions in Vanuvatu has left a lasting impression on our team and on the future guardians, protectors of Lau’s resilient seascape.

HOPE is here to stay.

30/04/2026