Assessment of Needs and Opportunities to Improve Ecosystem Resilience and Sustainable Tourism in Fiji

Project Description
Fiji, while rich in natural and cultural assets, faced unique challenges due to its geographic isolation, environmental degradation, and high vulnerability to climate change. Tourism remained the country’s primary economic driver, contributing 34% of GDP in 2018, but also posed threats to the ecosystems it relied on through unsustainable practices and coastal development. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained livelihoods and economic growth. To address these interconnected risks, the World Bank, with support from the PROBLUE Multi-Donor Trust Fund, launched the Pacific Ocean Advisory Program. This initiative aimed to support Fiji’s transition to a sustainable, resilient Blue Economy, particularly in tourism and natural resource conservation.

Objectives, Activities, and Results
The assessment adopted a holistic ridge-to-reef approach to inform national efforts on ecosystem conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable tourism. It included two main components: evaluating the conservation needs of Fiji’s natural resources and their socio-economic contributions, and identifying opportunities for greening tourism and reducing environmental impacts. The study produced actionable recommendations and knowledge products to support Fiji’s policy development, institutional frameworks, and investment planning. These outcomes guided the government in aligning environmental protection with economic development, and in designing market-based instruments and management tools to promote climate-resilient, sustainable growth.

client:
World Bank
LOCATION:
Fiji
TIME:
March 2022
to February 2023

TAGS

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Economics, Project description
Fiji
Completed Project

Publications

The assessment generated a series of policy statements and reports intended to guide government, development partners, and the private sector in advancing sustainable and resilient tourism in Fiji. These include:

Policy Briefs

Reports

  • National Ecosystem Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation Assessment Report – providing a comprehensive national-level analysis of Fiji’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate vulnerabilities, with recommendations for strengthening conservation, protected areas, and climate adaptation policies. To read the report, click here.

  • Sustainable Tourism Development Assessment – examining the state of Fiji’s tourism sector, its environmental and social impacts, and policy and market gaps, offering pathways to green, resilient, and inclusive tourism growth. To read the report, click here.

  • Northern Division Case Study – assessing ecosystem conditions, tourism opportunities, and community participation in Vanua Levu and surrounding areas, identifying priorities for ecological town development, iTaukei engagement, and women-led tourism enterprises. To read the report, click here.

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