The Sovi Basin is located in Naitasiri Province, on the island of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. Covering approximately 19,600 hectares, the basin is blanketed by a well-preserved tropical lowland forest, which is Fiji's largest and most biologically diverse.[2] Sovi basin resides within the Polynesia/Micronesia biodiversity hotspot, one of 34 hot spots throughout the globe. The site is to be protected in a partnership between Fiji Water and Conservation International.[3] The rainforest, wilderness area and high scenic valley contribute to its national significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.[4]

A 40,700 hectares (101,000 acres) area covering the basin is the Sovi Basin Important Bird Area. This area supports the largest protected populations of many of Fiji's restricted-range species, including the endangered Long-legged thicketbird, the vulnerable Pink-billed parrotfinch and Shy Ground-dove, and the near threatened Masked shining parrot.[5]

World Heritage Status

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on October 26, 1999 in the Cultural category.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Sovi Basin Protected Area | Protected Planet". www.protectedplanet.net. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  2. ^ "Sovi Basin - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". whc.unesco.org. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  3. ^ Fiji Water Announces Sustainable Growth Initiative With Commitment To Help Mitigate Global Climate Change
  4. ^ Ganilau, Bernadette Rounds (2007). Fiji Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PDF). Convention on Biological Diversity. pp. 107–112. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  5. ^ "BirdLife Data Zone: Sovi Basin". datazone.birdlife.org.
  6. ^ "Sovi Basin - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". whc.unesco.org. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
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