BACK TO OFFICE REPORT - INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES PROJECT FORMULATION MISSION TO , AND MATAGI (4 -9 JUNE, 2016)

Mission Background

A Project Formulation mission for the Fiji Invasive Alien Species Project Preparatory Grant took place from June 4 – 6, 2016. This mission was coordinated through the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) and UNDP. The mission team included the UNDP Regional Technical Advisor (Lisa Farrow), UNDP Resilience and Sustainable Development Environment Analyst (Floyd Robinson), representatives of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and 3 consultants (Project Development Specialist – Malcolm Janssen, Biosecurity Consultant – James Stanford and Invasive Alien Species Expert – Dr. Fred Kraus).The mission team visited the islands of Qamea, Laucala and Matagi which are known to have reporting’s of the Giant Invasive Iguana, a species not native to Fiji. Final Stakeholder and debriefing meetings were held in Nadi. Project Background Global Environment Facility (GEF): In June 2015, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council approved the concept document (known as the Project Identification Form) for a US$3.5 million, four- year project to build national capacity to manage invasive alien species, in particular the Giant Invasive Iguana (Iguana iguana) on , Qamea, Laucala and Matagi.

The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) is the financing mechanism for a number of the multilateral environment agreements. The sixth replenishment of GEF raised over US$4 billion in committed funds that are allocated to countries to use for climate change, biodiversity and land degradation projects. Approval of the GEF Council is required to access GEF financing. The intent is that GEF resources are used to build off existing national efforts and provide ‘incremental’ funding to support the achievement of global environmental benefits, such as the protection of endangered species or ecosystems of global significance. Biosecurity Authority of Fiji: The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is the national Executing Agency for the project while UNDP serves as the GEF implementing agency. The approval of the project concept in June 2015 included the release of US$150,000 of GEF financing (the Project Preparation Grant) to support the completion of detailed project documents. This project development must be completed within 18 months of the approval of the project concept. Project Document Requirements: In accordance with GEF Secretariat and UNDP-GEF requirements, two main documents are required to authorize the release of the requested US$3.5 million GEF project financing: a UNDP- GEF Project Document and a GEF CEO Endorsement Request. These documents must be submitted to the GEF Secretariat by the start of December 2016. Global Environment Benefits: The global environmental problem being tackled by the project is the risk that invasive alien species (IAS) pose to Fiji’s biodiversity, in particular the globally significant endemic fauna and flora of Taveuni which is threatened by the Giant Invasive Iguana (GII). Project Objectives and Components: The project objective is to “enhance the chances of the long- term survival of terrestrial endemic and threatened species on Taveuni Island and surrounding islets by building national and local capacity to prevent, detect, control and manage IAS”.  The project has four components: 1. National IAS management framework to prevent terrestrial IAS from entering Fiji: aiming to strengthen IAS policy, institutions and coordination efforts at a national level. 2. System for inter-island IAS movement, prevention and control to protect ecosystems on Taveuni and surrounding islets: aiming to enhance IAS prevention, surveillance and control strategies to prevent new introductions to Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala and Matagi. 3. Eradication and control of GII on Taveuni and surrounding islets: aiming to support the long-term restoration of terrestrial ecosystems through GII eradication, intensive control and containment measures. 4. Knowledge management and outreach to address IAS: aiming to achieve an increase in the awareness of communities, the travelling public, tourism operators, importers and shipping agents of the risks posed by IAS and increased support for biosecurity.

Objectives of the mission: were to support formulation of a Full Sized Project Document through:

. engaging in consultations so that priority activities are identified and consensus reached for inclusion in the Full Sized Project . conduct field visit of potentail demonstration sites in Qamea and Taveuni and enagge in community consultations, allowing for community input into project design . discussing a way forward and agreeing to timelines for formulation of the Project Document, keeping in mind a November 2016 deadline for submission of finalised proposal and suporting documentation to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) . Identification of priority issues which the consultants and government would need to address

Consultations: consultations during the mission were at four levels namely:

 UNDP, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and Resort owners  UNDP, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and resource owners  Debriefing meeting between UNDP, team of consultants and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji GEF Steering Committee

Summary of Mission Results With support from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, the mission team successfully visited several hotspots for iguanas on Qamea and held discussions with locals as well as with resorts on Qamea, Laucala and Mataqi.

 Based on mission findings, a list of proposed activities were identified (as listed below):

Component 1: National IAS management framework Strengthen national policy, planning, coordination and institutions Enhance inter-agency coordination at senior and operational levels – opportunities to re-establish IAS Task Force, National Environment Council etc. Research into economic impacts of IAS (food security, livelihoods, health, biodiversity and production sectors)

Component 2: System for inter-island IAS prevention and control Increase number of inspections and inspection capacity – more full-time frontline inspectors, plus also developing a system to address small wharfs (high tide only). Ensure biosecurity for Laucala private barge in Suva in both directions, and for private aircraft in Nadi in both directions. Establishment of national early detection and rapid response capacity, with well-trained staff and dedicated funding set aside for responses – engaging local community and establishment of a hotline.

Component 3: Eradication and control of GII on Taveuni, Qamea, Mataqi and Laucala Establishment of additional eradication effort (up to 50 more men) to focus on Qamea (GII appears widespread), Matagi and Laucala, including local outreach. Establishment of a dedicated team for Taveuni to search beaches and conduct outreach with villages Purchase of equipment, e.g. air rifles, training dogs. Strategically use the nesting season to target females and eggs – radio-collar males and use them to attract females. Improve data collection to inform survey methods and eradication techniques. Importance of BAF co-financing to support eradication efforts including to increase effort until GEF financing is received.

Component 4 Awareness and knowledge management Importance of general awareness-raising with travelling public, tourism operators, private land owners. Engage schools and teachers, with a focus on Qamea. Integrate outreach with villages within the eradication efforts.

 Support from Resorts: Representatives of Laucala Island, Matagi Beach Resort and Qamea Beach Resort confirmed their support towards efforts to contain and eradicate iguanas. They invited Biosecurity Authority to Fiji (BAF) to organize awareness raising for their staff, especially grounds man and gardeners as long as prior arrangements are organized. The Resorts are also supportive of BAF staff monitoring iguanas during breeding seasons (August – November).

 Collection of Baseline Information: at an exit meeting on Thursday 9th June, the team of consultants clarified that there was no need for a socio-economic consultant with regard to collection of baseline information. The Executive Chairman of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji clarified that Monika Devi was dedicated to the collection of baseline information and other data required by the Project Development Specialist.

 Co- financing: Mission Team had a discussion with General Manager Air Traffic - Airports Fiji Limited (Isei Tuidereu) which identified a number of existing activities and equipment (X ray machines, establishment of dog unit & dedicated staff) which support national biosecurity efforts. The General Manager was supportive and willing to commit these as co-financing for the full sized project. Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will follow up on these details.

Schedule of Meetings

Saturday 4 June: 5:00pm – 5:30pm Mission Team Debriefing at Garden Island Resort - Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen,Floyd Robinson, Lisa Farroway

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji confirmed that arrangements on Qamea, Matagi and Laucala. There was an issue - transportation from Taveuni – Qamea by sea was not organized. Therefore this needed to be addressed urgently.

Dr. Kraus requested support in organizing meetings with key community representatives who were previously trained by non-governmental organizations in community awareness and capturing of the Giant Invasive iguanas;

Agreed that Anare and Floyd to leave immediately to urgently organize mission teams transportation on Sunday and Monday (to Qamea, sites around Qamea, Matagi and Laucala)

Saturday 4 June: 5:30pm – 9:20pm Trip to Navakacoa and Waiyevo. Anare Sikoa and Floyd Robinson

Anare Sikoa and Floyd Robinson travelled from Garden Island Resort (Matei) to Navakacoa village, managing to secure services of two captains and two fiber glass boats to transport mission team from Navakacoa village to Qamea Island departing at 7am Sunday morning. The Captains also agreed to remain with the mission team over the two days. Deal was reached with the hiring of each vessel of $380/day and captains charges of $75/day/captain. Captain advised UNDP mission team to purchase fuel directly - to avoid higher costs.

Anare Sikoa and Floyd then rushed back to Waiyevo around 7:00pm to purchase fuel (before shops closed) and left this overnight at carrier drivers home.

Sunday 5 June: 10am Mission Team Briefing at Magai Beach Resort - Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen, Floyd Robinson and Lisa Farroway

Mission Team checked into accommodation at Magai Beach Resort before debriefing. Biosecurity Authority of Fiji Team confirmed that Sunday would focus visit to sites on Qamea owned by Mitchell family (freehold land) followed by a trip to resort on .

Sunday 5 June: 10:30am – 3:00pm Visit to Mitchell Family Property - Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen, Floyd Robinson and Lisa Farroway

First stop over at Niubau - a hot spot for the Giant Invasive Iguana. The sandy beach makes this an ideal location for females. According to locals during breeding season (between August to November) iguanas flock to the beach to lay eggs.

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji office at Niubau was flattened during , hence no temporary Biosecurity Officers stationed there.

A trail was identified on beach but unsuccessful in locating iguana. Temporary Biosecurity Officer Rakesa identified Dilo (Calophyllum inophyllum) and Tavola (Terminalia catappa) as species iguanas feed on.

Mission team then walked along beach and through mangroves before arriving at Mitchell family members located at Lali Bay. Mission team then trekked uphill through secondary forest down to other side of Qamea.

Sunday 5 June: 3:15pm – 4:30pm Meeting with Manager of Matagi Island Private Island Resort (Christine Douglas),Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen, Floyd Robinson and Lisa Farroway

Manager confirmed staff had sighted iguanas on island previously but this had decreased since tropical cyclone Winston. She recommended two staff (Sam and Lali) to participate in training organised through Biosecurity Authority of Fiji or the3w new project.

Manager in support of awareness raising for her staff especially the groundsmen who are most likely to observe/sight iguanas. She mentioned a video raising awareness on invasive species was previously shown to all staff. The video was lent by a non -governmental organisation, possibly Nature Fiji.

Manager in support of project and any current activities by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji as long as they are given advance notice. However, she raised concern about soldiers who were deployed to the island to shoot iguanas as this did not go down well with some guest.

Monday 6 June: 9:00am Yaroi Estate. Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen, Floyd Robinson and Lisa Farroway

Mission team visited two sites in Naivivi Bay (a hot spot for iguanas). Temporary Biosecurity Officers caught two iguanas, one was found on a Dilo (callophyllum Innophyllum) tree.

A Biosecurity officer had a local dog which he trained to identify and catch iguanas. He uses a kayak to transport himself and dog around the bay.

Monday 6 June: 10:00am– Meeting with Manager of Qamea Beach Resort. Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen, Floyd Robinson and Lisa Farroway

Manager of Qamea Beach Resort informed mission team of staff spotting iguanas at times, especially the groundsmen.

Resort is in support of awareness raising for staff and Biosecurity Officers conducting monitoring trips in area surrounding resort (during breeding seasons). However, management requested arrangements are organised in advance. The Resort may delay monitoring mission by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji when occupancy is high (i.e. guests privacy).

Monday 6 June: 11:00am Discussion with Jerry Surumi of Naiviivi village. Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen, Floyd Robinson and Lisa Farroway

Jerry participated in initial awareness raising organised through the Provincial Office and Non- Governmental Organisations ( Bird Life International & Nature Fiji) around 200 4 and 2007. He has sighted more iguanas in last 5 years and according to him it is spreading to other parts of Qamea.

Jerry and Temporary Biosecurity Authority officers indicated iguanas as occupying mangroves (.i.e. difficult to catch) apart from coastal vegetation.

Jerry estimated catch of about 150 iguanas in last years but this does not includes eggs destroyed during breeding season.

Jerry also mentioned that previously it was easy to spot native iguanas (Vokai) but this is increasingly difficult nowadays.

Temporary Biosecuirty Officers have trained their dogs to track iguanas.

Species iguana known to feed on include Cassava (Manihot esculenta), Bele (Abelmoschus manihot), Dilo (Calophyllum inophyllum) as well as fruits such as Pawpaw (Carica papaya), and mango (Mangfera indica)

Based on discussions, there is a need to provide temporary Biosecurity Authority of Fiji officers with kayaks to assist with transportation with the bay.

Monday 6 June: 4:00pm Meeting with Management Laucala Island Resort. Monika Devi,Timoci Bukasoqo, Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy, Rakesa, Anare Sikoa (Department of Youth Officer), James Standford, Dr. Fred Kraus, Malcolm Jansen, Floyd Robinson and Lisa Farroway

Management at Laucala Island are in support of Biosecurity Authority of Fiji Officers monitoring uninhabited end of island especially during breeding season. They would appreciate advance notice and.

Management claim that apart from few cases there appears not to be a problem of iguanas in Taveuni. This may need to be verified.

Tuesday 7 June: Mission Team Departed Taveuni for Nadi before catching Pehicle vehicle to Suva.

Wednesday 8 June: Novotel Nadi -Meeting with Manager of Air Traffic - Airports Fiji Limited (Isei Tuidreu). Monica Devi, Floyd Robinson, Fred Kraus, James Stanford and Malcolm Jansen

Airports Fiji Limited has X ray machines in place at Nadi and Nausori airport to detect amongst other things - plants and animals. Six new machines are being procured with costed estimated at UUD$716,000 (inclusive of training). In addition, there are officers trained to manage these machines. Previously, machines provided X ray from top but new equipment will ensure passenger baggage is also Xray from the bottom. This will reduce chances of people smuggling plants and animals.

A new dog unit is also established at Nadi airport. Dogs are trained to detect plants and animals. These dogs are kept at newly constructed building and offices trained to manage these dogs.

An incinerator at Nadi airport destroys any foreign/illegal substances detected, including foreign plant and animal species.

The above check and measure of Airports Fiji Limited is part of Fiji’s obligations as a signatory to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations charged with coordinating and regulating international air travel.

Mr Tuidreu was supportive and willing to use their contributions (equipment, staffing and dogs) as co- financing towards projects.

Thursday 9th June April: Debriefing Meeting with Team of consultants (James Stanford, Malcolm Janssen and Dr Fred Kraus), UNDP (Floyd Robinson) and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Monika Devi, Xavier Riaz Khan, Timoci Bukasoqo,Devika Narayan,Shivani Mudaliar,Nilesh Chand,Augustine Sokimi, Dr. Sian Watson, Dr. Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy).

Consensus reached on initial activities proposed by team of consultants.

Consultants clarified that there was no need for a socio-economic consultant to support project formulation.

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji not in support of national consultants to support formulation. Instead, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is committing Monika Devi as its focal point to support team of consultants obtain baseline information and co-financing resources needed.

Executive Chairman of Biosecurity Authority of Fiji informed UNDP that he had received an official correspondence from UNDP Resident Representative and confirmed prosecution will not be pursued (as per earlier email correspondence).

Way forward agreed Item Time June – August Consultants work on drafting proposal Monika Devi to support consultants in gathering information August (last week) Team of consultants to present draft project .Opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback/comments September Review and final drafting of proposal and supporting documents October (4th) Submission of proposal to UNDP for technical clearance, ahead of submission to GEF Secretariat by 4 December (hard deadline)

Challenges Experienced:  At the request of Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, the earlier planned national inception workshop did not take place. Rather Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, preferred one to one consultations with Government Departments. Unfortunately, this notification was received late from Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. Furthermore, arrangements for the mission appeared disorganized. There were many last minute requests for change (.e.g. boat arrangements, tickets for some staff travelling to Taveuni).

 Despite the on-going sensitivities involved, the Team of consultants and UNDP remained calm and focused on progressing field mission, keeping in mind the bigger picture i.e. supporting Government formulate project and finalize all supporting documents so that it can be submitted to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) by November 2016.

 One of the boat engines transporting mission team broke down between Qamea and Taveuni (drifting for about 25 minutes). It was not possible to communicate via telephone as signals could not pick up.

 Given the available time, it was not possible to have much discussions with indigenous resource owning communities. However, mission team held discussions with owners of freehold land.

Follow Up Items Item Whom When

Gathering of Baseline Monika Devi Ongoing Information and co –financing

Confirmation of exact date for Floyd By July 29th presentation of draft proposal to be determine din consultation with Biosecurity Authority of Fiji

Visa Application for Malcolm Floyd/Vasiti to organize July 29th Jansenn for return trip to Fiji in August

Combined revised work plan James Lenoci May 5th from consultants

Date for Local Project To be confirmed by UNDP and August 11th Appraisal Committee Meeting Office of Environment Planning and Policy Coordination

Confirmation of allocations in Floyd May 10th contracts which include budgets for travel

Distribution list: UNDP Pacific Office

Mission Costs: Fiji Invasive Alien Species Project Preparatory Grant

List of Participants/Stakeholder Consulted Name Designation Contact

Monika Devi Veterinary Biologist [email protected]

Xavier Riaz Khan Executive Chairman [email protected]

Timoci Bukasoqo Team Leader GIS [email protected]

Devika Narayan Training and Awareness [email protected] Officer

Manager Finance [email protected] Shivani Mudaliar CPPO [email protected] Nilesh Chand Legal Officer [email protected] Augustine Sokimi Chief Veterinary Officer [email protected] Dr. Sian Watson Veterinary [email protected] Dr. Bhaheerathan Kanagasapapathy

James Stanford Consultant – Biosecurity [email protected] Specialist

Malcolm Jansen Consultant – Project [email protected] Development Specialist

Dr. Fred Kraus Consultant - Iguana [email protected] Specialist

Floyd Robinson UNDP Environment [email protected] Analyst Anare Sikoa Youth Office Department [email protected] of Youth

Rakesa Biosecurity Officer based on Qamea Island

Isei Tuidreu General Manager Air [email protected] & Phone:9906617 Traffic

Captain waving for help when engine broke down

A Temporary Biosecurity Office on a kayay and sniffer dog

Invasive Iguana

Dr. Kraus explaining features of the giant invasive iguana

Dr. Kraus explaining features of the giant invasive iguana