As part of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) led the Bycatch and Integrated Ecosystem Management (BIEM) Initiative to strengthen the sustainable management of Fiji’s coastal and marine ecosystems. This initiative focuses on developing gender, social inclusion, and human rights-sensitive ecosystem management plans for the Navua catchment and Beqa Lagoon area, ensuring climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation.

Alluvium has supported this work by bringing together a multi-disciplinary team of experts to conduct biodiversity surveys, ecosystem assessments, and resilience mapping. The team worked closely with communities, government agencies, and local NGOs to identify key environmental threats and develop realistic, community-driven adaptation strategies. Fieldwork was undertaken in remote rural locations, requiring careful logistical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building efforts.

By integrating scientific knowledge with local and traditional expertise, this project has contributed to enhancing Fiji’s ability to manage its natural resources effectively while supporting local communities in adapting to environmental and climate challenges.