Final Report
Rare Pride Campaign
Gau Island
Fiji Islands
The Pride Campaign Team from The National Trust of Fiji Islands (Milika Ratu, far left)
Milika Ratu
National Trust of Fiji Islands
2003 - 2004
Rare Diploma in Conservation Education
University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom
Kent Cohort II
Contents
Site Background .........................................................................................................................4
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................4
Biodiversity Features ...............................................................................................................4
Location of Pride Campaign .....................................................................................................5
Geography ...............................................................................................................................5
Sociology..................................................................................................................................6
Map of Gau ..............................................................................................................................7
Flora and Fauna .......................................................................................................................8
Reptiles..............................................................................................................................................8
Amphibians ........................................................................................................................................8
Birds ..................................................................................................................................................8
Site Assessment ......................................................................................................................11
Summary of Stakeholder Meetings ........................................................................................11
Objectives ........................................................................................................................................11
Outputs ............................................................................................................................................11
Target Condition .............................................................................................................................. 11
Meeting Logistics ............................................................................................................................. 11
Methodology ....................................................................................................................................12
Table 4: Stakeholder Matrix. ............................................................................................................14
Revised Concept Model .........................................................................................................20
Gau Island Final Concept Model Summary ...........................................................................22
The Flagship Species ..............................................................................................................23
The Fiji Petrel: Population Study............................................................................................23
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................23
Threats ............................................................................................................................................25
Conservation ...................................................................................................................................25
Causes of Extinction ........................................................................................................................ 26
Method of Population Study .............................................................................................................26
Discussion of Population Survey .....................................................................................................28
Classification Of The Fiji Petrel ..............................................................................................29
Origin Of The Pseudobulweria Petrels ..................................................................................30
Conservation Education Activities .........................................................................................31
Posters ...................................................................................................................................31
Distribution of Posters......................................................................................................................31
Badges ...................................................................................................................................32
Distribution of badges ......................................................................................................................32
Billboards ...............................................................................................................................32
Fact sheets .............................................................................................................................33
Sermon Sheet and Services ..................................................................................................34
Environmental Comic .............................................................................................................36
Legislation Booklet .................................................................................................................38
Gau Wildlife Booklet ...............................................................................................................39
Art and Essay Competition ....................................................................................................39
Distribution of Certificates of Achievement to Art and Essay Competition Winners ......................... 40
Puppet Show Production .......................................................................................................41
Puppet Theater Show ......................................................................................................................41
Puppet Script Summary ..............................................................................................................41
Monitoring the Puppet Show .......................................................................................................42
Costume .................................................................................................................................43
School Song Production ........................................................................................................43
Popular Song .........................................................................................................................43
The School Visit Programme .................................................................................................44
The Target Audience .......................................................................................................................44
Logistical Preparation: .....................................................................................................................45
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
2
The Presentation ............................................................................................................................. 46
Why conservation of the forests as nesting habitat for the Fiji Petrel is important? ....................47
Conservation Measures ..............................................................................................................48
Campaign Slogans .................................................................................................................49
Key Messages........................................................................................................................49
Community Outreach Review ................................................................................................51
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................51
Aim ..................................................................................................................................................51
Volunteer Help for the Pride Campaign .................................................................................54
The Media ..............................................................................................................................54
Rallying local businesses .......................................................................................................54
Provincial Meeting ..................................................................................................................54
Signs of Success: The Results ...............................................................................................55
Overview ................................................................................................................................55
Questionnaire Survey Results (Pre- and Post–campaign) ....................................................56
Data Collection Process ..................................................................................................................56
Project Objective Results .......................................................................................................71
Additional Achievements ........................................................................................................73
Community Conflicts and Challenges ...................................................................................74
Recommendations ...................................................................................................................75
Securing Funds for the Continuation of the Gau Bird Project ................................................75
Continuing Environmental Outreach ......................................................................................75
References ................................................................................................................................77
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................78
Appendices ...............................................................................................................................79
Appendix 1 .............................................................................................................................79
Appendix 2 .............................................................................................................................80
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
3
Site Background
Introduction
Fiji lies in the heart of the Pacific Ocean midway between the equator and the South Pole, and
between longitudes 175 and 178 west and latitudes 15 and 22 south. Fiji’s Exclusive Economic
Zone contains approximately 330 islands of which about one-third are inhabited. It covers about
1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. Eighty three % of the land is owned by
indigenous Fijians while nine % is state land and eight % is freehold land (non indigenous
owned).
Fiji’s national environment policy is “maintenance of Fiji’s healthy environment through protection
and conservation of its unique features and the judicious utilization of its resources from an
integral part of development”.
What Fiji protects has been set aside to conserve Fiji’s natural, cultural or historic significance. Fiji
has a unique biodiversity. Over 50 % of Fiji’s plants and birds and over 90 % of some insect
groups such as cicadas and marine insects are all endemic.
Biodiversity Features
The tropical moist forests of Fiji support a particularly rich fauna and flora relative to other oceanic
island groups in the Pacific. The forests of Fiji are notable for a large number of endemic species
and higher taxa. The many primitive plant taxa, including an endemic family of tree, the
Degeneraceae, belie the ancient origins of the biota. The islands of Fiji have a complex geologic
history spanning at least 40 million years. Under the influence of seafloor spreading and the
formation and migration of oceanic arc-trench complexes, the location of the island group has
varied significantly from the Eocene to the present.
The tropical montane cloud forest is composed of forest ecosystems of distinctive floristic and
structured form. It typically occurs as a relatively narrow altitudinal zone where the atmospheric
environment is characterized by persistent, frequent or seasonal cloud cover at the vegetation
level. Enveloping cloud or wind-driven clouds influence the atmospheric interaction through
reduced solar radiation and vapour deficit, canopy wetting, and general suppression of
evapotranspiration. The net precipitation (through fall) is significantly enhanced (beyond rainfall
contribution) through direct canopy interception of cloud water (horizontal precipitation or cloud
stripping) and low water use by the vegetation.
In comparison with lower latitude tropical moist forest, the stand characteristics generally include
reduced tree stature and increased stem density. Canopy trees usually exhibit gnarled trunks and
branches; dense compact crowns; and small, thick and hard (sclerophyll) leaves. Tropical
montane cloud forest is also characterized by having a high proportion of biomass as epiphytes
(bryophytes, lichens and filmy ferns) and a corresponding reduction in woody climbers. Soils are
wet and frequently waterlogged and highly organic in the form of humus and peat (histosol).
Biodiversity in terms of tree species of herbs, shrubs and epiphytes can be relatively high
(considering the small area extent) when compared with tree species-rich lowland rain forest.
Endemism is often very high
.
Tropical Montane cloud forest occurs on a global scale within a wide range of annual and
seasonal rainfall regimes i.e. 500-10,000mm.year). There is also significant variation in the
altitudinal position of this mountain vegetation belt. For large, inland mountain systems, tropical
montane cloud forest may typically be found between 2000-3500m (Andes, Rwenzoris), whereas
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
4
in coastal and insular mountains this zone may descend to 100m (Hawaii). Under exceptionally
humid marine, equatorial conditions, a tropical montane cloud forest zone may develop on steep,
small island mountains at elevations as low as 500m or even lower (Kosrae in Micronesia and
Gau in Fiji).
Location of Pride Campaign
Gau Island is one of the islands of the Lomaiviti Group Fiji Islands is long and narrow in shape,
perhaps twenty kilometres from its most northern to its most southern point and seven kilometres
across and its widest extremities from east to west. In area it is approximately 140 square
kilometres and the fifth largest of the 332 islands of Fiji. The island is about sixty kilometres away
from Suva; the capital of Fiji situated on the island of Viti Levu and can be reached by ferry or
plane (Toren, 1986).
Figure 1: Map of Fiji.
Geography
The land is rugged, and 55 % supports dense rain forest, comprising the high land in the north,
which is dominated by the summits Delaco (715 m) and Delacoboni (705 m), and the main ridge
running south. The rolling country of the eastern coast and the Island’s extremities is covered with
grass or reed, but is increasingly being planted with Pinus caribaea. Dense rainforest occurs on
high land and ridges; grasslands with casuarina; coconuts along shore; mangroves on north
coast; fringing reef, leeward barrier reef and lagoon, forest mangroves. The centre of Gau is
mountainous and heavily forested, with all villages being situated on the coast. Remains of more
ancient villages are to be seen in the lower hills, near what is now gardening land. According to
the source, it was said that older village sites might be found further inland.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
5
Sociology
Fiji is made up of four divisions, each headed by a Commissioner, and further sub-divided into
Provinces, each headed by a Roko (a title of honour); the Province is sub-divided into islands/ or
districts and further into villages. The island of Gau – is part of the Lomaiviti Province in the
Eastern division. The latest total population for the island is 4,300 (Personal interview, September
2003). This figure was derived from the Qarani Health Centre, Gau Island. Primary schooling is
free and compulsory and children attend their local school, which stands on its own land perhaps
half a kilometre from the village; on average there is one primary school for every two villages. In
addition, children up to 15 or so may attend Gau’s single secondary school; this takes in weekly
boarders from all villages except that which is closest to it.
Gau is divided into two qali (a division of villages). The first is called qalivakaBatiki, and consists
of eight villages of the Sawaieke ‘vanua’ (land) that are said to have owed allegiance to the island
of Batiki, situated to the north-west and within sight of Gau. Sawaieke is the chiefly village for
eight villages out of the sixteen villages being situated on the coast. The other eight villages are
qalivakaBau. These are the villages that are under qalivakaBatiki – Sawaieke, Somosomo,
Nawaikama, Nukuloa, Levuka-i-Gau, Lovu, Vadravadra and Yadua, The qalivakaBau are
Navukailagi, Qarani, Vione, Lekanai, Vanuaso, Lamiti, Malawai and Nacavanadi.
Gau is divided into three districts and they are Sawaieke, Vanuaso and Navukailagi district.
Sawaieke district consists eight villages, Vanuaso consists five villages while Navukailagi District
consists three villages. Each district has its own chiefs and district representatives who normally
represent the ‘vanua’ (land) to the Provincial meeting. The Fijian population of the smaller islands,
including Gau, have a mixed economy that is largely based on subsistence gardening, the
keeping of a smaller number of livestock (cows, chickens, pigs and sometimes goats), and the
occasional production of cash crops and copra. Major activities are logging, reforestation with
exotic pine and subsistence agriculture and fishing. On Gau Island, each village is located along
coastal areas.
Provincial meeting is largely concern with development on various islands of the Lomaiviti
Province and with the granting of financial aid to development projects. This meeting normally
takes place with the presence of some cabinet Ministers. District Officers or ‘Roko Tui’ (title of
honour) will take suggestions and need for development, implementing projects and so forth from
the community to the Provincial meeting. The District Officer will then submit a report, with the
support of the Provincial representative to Parliament to the Ministry of Fijian Affairs Board, which
is headed by the Prime Minister, all developments that is requested by the community on Gau
Island. The Cabinet Ministers will then discuss these requests in Parliament.
There are nine primary schools and one secondary school in Gau:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Sawaieke District School
Navukailagi District School
Vione Primary School
Vanuaso District School
Nacavanadi Village School
Lamiti Malawai School
Nacovu Village School
Nukuloa Village School
Nawaikama District School
Gau Secondary School
Bulu Methodist Training Center
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
6
Map of Gau
Figure 2: Map of Gau, Source: Lands Department.
LEGEND
Villages
Dense forest
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
Mangrove
Airstrip
7
Flora and Fauna
In view of Gau’s location less than 80km from Suva, Fiji’s capital on the island of Viti Levu, it is
surprising that Gau’s flora has been the subject of only superficial collection and no research.
Gau is Fiji’s largest island without either mongoose or jungle fowl, and provides a unique
opportunity for investigating the possible effects that these aboriginal introductions may have had
on Fiji’s terrestrial fauna and flora. Species of conservation interest are Reptiles-Amphibians:
Platymantis vitianus (Fiji Ground Frog) group endemic, K (status unknown), Birds-Pterodroma
macgillivrayi (MacGillivrayi’s Petrel) endemic, Indeterminate (RDB)
(http://www.unep.ch/islands/ILQ.htm#465).
Reptiles
Table 1: Reptile species of conservation interest on Gau Island.
Reptile species
Banded iguana
Giant forest gecko
Pacific blank skink
Fijian copper-headed skink
Barred tree skink
Pacific boa
Scientific name
Brachlophus fasciatus
Gehyra vorax
Emoia nigra
Emoia parkeri
Emoia trossula
Candoia bibroni
Global status (IUCN)
Endangered
Amphibians
Table 2. Amphibian species of conservation interest on Gau Island.
Amphibian specie
Fiji ground frog
Scientific name
Platymantis vitianus
Global status (IUCN)
Endangered (only found on
Ovalau, Taveuni, Viwa and
Gau
The absence of marine toad bufo marinus on Gau is very important, as it will compete with
ground frog. Absence of mongoose on Gau is of major conservation importance enabling petrels,
rails, large lizards and Fiji ground frog to survive on Gau.
Birds
Key to Table 3: Gau Island Birds:
Residential status:
B – breeds
V – Visitor
E – Extinct
OW – small numbers over winter
Origin:
N – native
I – introduced
Endemic Status:
E – Fiji endemic
ES – Endemic to a single island (and offshore islets)
RE – regional endemic (Fiji, Tokelau, Tonga, Samoa,
American Samoa, Tuvalu, Niue, Wallis and Futuna).
RE* - regional endemic as above with outliers in other neighbouring
island nations.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
8
Table 3: Gau Island birds.
No
Bird species
Scientific
name
1.
4.
Pacific
black
duck
Reef heron
Mangrove
heron
Fiji goshawk
5.
Pacific harrier
6.
Banded rail
7.
White-browed
crake
Spotless crake
Anas
superciliosa
Egretta sacra
Butorides
striatus
Accipiter
rufitorques
Circus
approximans
Gallirallus
philippensis
Poliolimnas
cinereus
Porzana
tabuensis
Porphyrio
porphyrio
Columba
vitiensis
Streptopelia
chinensis
Gallicolumba
stairii
Ducula latrans
Ptilinopus
perousii
Ptilinopus
luteovirens
Phigys soltarius
Prosopeia
tabuensis
Tyto alba
Aerodramus
spodiopygius
Todiramphus
chloris
Hirundo tahitica
Pycnonotus
cafer
Turdus
poliocephalus
Clytorhynchus
vitiensis
Myiagra
vanikorensis
Pachycephala
pectoralis
Zosterops
exploratory
Zosterops
lateralis
2.
3.
8.
9.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Purple
swamphen
White throated
pigeon
Spotted turtle
dove
Friendly ground
dove
Barking pigeon
Many coloured
fruit dove
Golden dove
Collared lory
Red
shining
parrot
Barn owl
White rumped
swiftlet
White collared
kingfisher
Pacific swallow
Red
vented
bulbul
Island thrush
26
Lesser
shrikebill
Vanikoro
broadbill
Golden whistler
27
Fiji white eye
28
Silvereye
25
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
Residential
status
Origin
Endemic
Status in
Fiji
B
N
B
B
N
N
B
N
B
N
B
N
B
N
B
N
B
N
B
N
B
I
B
N
RE
B
B
N
N
E
RE
B
N
E
B
B
N
N
E
E
B
B
N
N
B
B
B
N
N
I
B
N
B
N
RE
B
N
RE*
B
N
B
N
B
N
Conservation
status
E
Conservation
concern
Data deficient
Vulnerable
E
9
29
30
Orange
breasted
myzomela
Red avadavat
31
Polynesian
starling
32
33
Fiji
woodswallow
Mynah
34
SEABIRDS
Fiji Petrel
35
Tahiti Petrel
36
Collared petrel
37
White
tailed
tropicbird
Masked booby
Brown booby
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Red
footed
booby
Lesser
fregatebird
Crested tern
Blacl napped
turn
Common
noddy
SHOREBIRDS
Pacific golden
plover
Wandering
tattler
Myzomela
jugularis
B
N
Amandava
amandava
Aplonis
tabuensis
B
I
B
N
RE*
Artamus
mentalis
Acridotheres
sp.
B
N
E
Pseudobulweri
a macgillivrayi
Pseudobulweri
a rostrata
Pterodroma
brevipes
Phaethon
lepturus
Sula dactylatra
Sula
leucogaster
Sula sula
B
B?
Fregata ariel
V
Sterna bergii
Sterna
sumatrana
Anous stolidus
V
B?
Pluvialis fulva
OW
Heteroscelus
incanus
OW
E
I
ES
Critically
endangered
B
B
RE*
V
V
V
V
Note: Island Thrush T.p.hades and Golden Whistler P.p.vitiensis are endemic subspecies on Gau.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
10
Site Assessment
Summary of Stakeholder Meetings
Objectives



To gather information from the participants on the direct and indirect factors affecting the
upland forest ecosystems of Gau Island (as well as the contributing factors).
To develop an Initial Concept Model for the site which reflects the prevailing Target
Condition and the various other factors.
To carry out root cause analyses of identified resource management issues and then
develop a framework of addressing the identified problems.
Outputs
The expected outputs were:


A root cause analysis of direct and indirect threats carried out for the upland forest
ecosystems of Gau Island.
Framework of goals and objectives developed to address key problems and causes
identified by Gau communities on Gau.
There were 31 participants attended the first meeting that was held in Sawaieke village, Gau
Island on the 27th February 2003. In the second meeting 25 participants attended. The second
meeting was held at Navukailagi village on 29th April 2003. Boat is the main means of transport
on the island and therefore boat was used for transportation to the stakeholder participants. The
stakeholder participants were really keen on the bird and show their support throughout the yearly
project.
This project is based on first identifying a Target Condition, which is defined as “the state of
affairs that the Trust intends to influence through the project’s activities”. The Target Condition for
the project is “Gau’s Upland Forest Ecosystems”.
Target Condition
The Target Condition – Gau’s Upland Forest Ecosystems - was selected because of its
importance as the nesting habitat for the Fiji Petrels. Although the bird is also dependent on the
marine ecosystems as a feeding habitat, this project will not focus too much on marine
ecosystems as other non-governmental organisations such as World Wide Fund for Nature and
the University of the South Pacific (USP) are working towards the establishment of marine
protected areas on Gau Island.
Meeting Logistics
National Trust Natural Heritage Officer, Mr Jone Niukula and Gau campaign coordinator, Ms
Milika Ratu went to Gau to conduct the first stakeholder workshop on the Gau bird project, the Fiji
Petrel. The Trust approached Mr Joeli Veitayaki of Marine Studies, University of the South Pacific
(USP) who agreed to provide assistance. On arrival, time was spent with the High Chief of Gau,
Ratu Marika Lewanavanua discussing the workshop program. Ratu Marika Lewanavanua is a
great supporter of this project.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
11
Mr Niukula and Ms Ratu went earlier to the community hall where the workshop will be conducted
to prepare publications and materials ready for the workshop. Young people from the village
helped the two of us inside the hall by putting up the sticky wall – a key tool for the workshop.
Sawaieke youth helped us in preparation for the stakeholder workshop. National Trust
publications and awareness materials were also put up.
The workshop started at 12.00pm on Thursday 27th February with the traditional welcome to all
the delegates attending the workshop followed by a prayer from a Minister Superintendent, Rev.
Jokini Sivo. Facilitators at the workshop were National Trust staff, Mr Jone Niukula and Ms Milika
Ratu, and Dr Joeli Veitayaki of University of the South Pacific.
The Chief of the Sawaieke village welcomed all participants attending the workshop. He also
thanked the Trust in his speech saying that implementing this project on Gau Island is a big
development on the island by showing the people of Gau on how to preserve their flora and
fauna. He stressed that the people of Gau, the province of Lomaiviti, and Fiji as a whole, have a
responsibility to protect endangered native wildlife species, especially the elusive Fiji Petrel and
to accept community heritage values.
The work, role and functions of the National Trust were introduced to all participants as the Trust
was created for the protection of Fiji’s natural and cultural heritage. It was also stressed that Fiji
has a unique biodiversity and Mr Niukula elaborated this in his speech on terrestrial biodiversity.
Methodology
The use of Concept Models as described in this document is based the work of Richard
Margoluis and Nick Salafsky of Foundations of Success [FOS] and draws from their 1998
publication Measures of Success: Designing, Managing, and Monitoring Conservation
Development Projects, published by Island Press. Their approach has been re-worked and retooled to fit the needs of Rare staff and local counterparts working on site assessments for
projects supported by Rare. The development of concept models also includes a methodology
known as “Brain-storming, Naming, Ordering” as an adaptation of the ToP (Technology of
Participation) concept developed by Sherwood Shankland and the Institute of Cultural affairs.
The target condition, “Gau’s Upland Forest Ecosystem” was pasted on the sticky wall with a focus
question affecting the target condition. The question was “What factors influence the Gau’s
Upland Forest Ecosystems”.
Participants were divided into eight groups of five and each group was asked to write the factors
that influence the Target Condition. Participants started this activity by calling out examples
showing interest in the activities. Two and a half hours was spent identifying the influencing
factors on the Target Condition. These were identified as direct factors.
Each group was asked to discuss the direct factors listed on the board. Further discussions were
made and groups came up identifying the root causes of the direct factors or in other words the
indirect factors that also contributes to Gau’s Upland Forest Ecosystems. Contributing factors,
derived while groups were working on both the direct and indirect factors affecting the target
condition. Contributing factors are factors that neither direct nor indirect but that have some
influence on the target condition.
The workshop was divided into 5 main sections:



Introduction to the Conservation Education Project
Introduction to the modelling process
Definition of the Target Condition (Gau’s Upland forest Ecosystems) and the need to
identify the factors affecting it.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
12


Design an Initial Concept Model
To discuss target species and slogan.
Questions were raised during the workshop with regards to the project. Facilitators answered all
questions raised except for the regulations/legislation on forests - as we did not have much
knowledge on the legislations on logging and slash and burn – particularly when one clan carries
out illegal deforestation on the land of another clan. Questions were raised on Fiji Petrel’s feeding
habitat and Mr Veitayaki of Marine Studies responded to all questions to the community by saying
that the only way of protecting the marine ecosystems is to preserve the forests ecosystems.
A questionnaire survey was designed after the workshop. We were invited by the Head teacher of
the Sawaieke District School to give a speech to the teachers and students of the school. We
were glad to do so as it is part of the work given by RARE Centre for Tropical Conservation and
also the work of the Trust. We really enjoyed our time talking to the students.
Facilitators of the workshop managed to design an Initial Concept Model highlighting direct,
indirect and contributing factors affecting the target condition (Figure 3).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
13
Table 4: Stakeholder Matrix.
No
Participant/
Stakeholder
Names
Key Issues
Interest/Motive
(what
participants
bring to the
meeting)
1
High Chief
Sawaieke
District
Ratu Marika
Lewanavanua
Traditional
law
enforcement
Traditional
Knowledge
influence,
village
regulation
knowledge,
views from their
people on
environment
issues
2
High Chief
Vanuaso
District
Traditional
law
enforcement
Traditional
Knowledge
influence,
village
regulation
knowledge,
views from their
people on
environment
issues
Viliame
Nasawe
3
High Chief
Navukailagi
District
Ratu Sailosi
Lomaiviti
Traditional
law
enforcement
Traditional
Knowledge
influence,
village
regulation
knowledge,
views from their
people on
environment
issues.
4
Provincial
Admin
Assistant
Kusitino Roko
5
Fisheries
Ledua
Fijian Affairs
Board role in
protection of
natural
resources
Marine laws,
strengthen the
link between
the project,
Province and
Government
Knowledge of
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
Potential
Contribution
(what the
meeting can
give to
participant)
Encouragement
to the
protection of
natural
resources,
Raise
awareness
about the
Kacau-ni-Gau,
increase
knowledge
about their
island
environment
Encouragement
to the
protection of
natural
resources,
Raise
awareness
about the
Kacau-ni-Gau,
increase
knowledge
about their
island
environment
Encouragement
to the
protection of
natural
resources,
Raise
awareness
about the
Kacau-ni-Gau,
increase
knowledge
about their
island
environment
Raise
their
awareness
about environmental issues
Consequences
Provide an
Involvement
Better
understanding
of
environmental
issues, good
resources
management
practices,
ensures the
support of the
people and
success of the
project
Better
understanding
of
environmental
issues, good
resources
management
practices,
ensures the
support of the
people and
success of the
project
Better
understanding
of
environmental
issues, good
resources
management
practices,
ensures the
support of the
people and
success of the
project.
Endorsement,
Support from
the Provincial
office
14
Officer
Ovasisi
marine
resources
fishing issues,
Knowledge of
marine
resources
6
Principal
Forestry
Officer
Susana
Tuisese,
Josese
Tokoni
Forest laws
and
regulations
Knowledge
about logging
acts,
sustainable
forestry issues,
Forestry laws
7
Police Officer
Law
enforcement
Knowledge
about law
enforcement in
the area,
deforestation
and destructive
fishing cases.
8
Education
Officer - Gau
Panapasa
Balekana
9
School
Teacher –
Ministry of
Education
Samuela
Waqa,
Benimio
Tawake
10
Local NGO
Penina
Namata
11
Church
minister
Jokini Sivo,
Netani Jitoko
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
School
curriculum
Conservation
and
environment
materials,
quality of
educational
tools, quality
of graduate
student.
School
curriculum
Conservation
and
environment
materials,
quality of
education
tools, quality
of graduate
student
Knowledge
about what
had been
done,
problems
from local
NGOs
perspectives
Moral issues,
religious
opportunity to
link the
protection of
the Fiji Petrels
to the protection of marine
resources
Information of
the
island’s
natural forest,
awareness of
the
island’s
environmental
status
and
issues.
Support
and
cooperation in
finding ways to
reduce
deforestation
and
reduce
destructive
fishing cases.
and support
from the
Fisheries
department
Educational
quality and
present
condition
Educational
material and
activities
Education
quality and
present
condition
Education
material
and
activities
Endorse
educational
authority
involvement
and
participation,
build
knowledge,
reach more
people
Ensure
educational
authority
involvement
and
participation,
build
knowledge,
reach more
people
Potential for
local NGO buy
in, potential for
collaboration in
project
implementation
Alternative
in
creating project
proposal
Ensure other
NGOs
participation
Conservation
from religious
Religious and
conservation
Ensure
religious
Involvement
and support
from the
Forestry
department
Provide local
legal
perspectives
and practices,
ensure law
officer
participation,
build
knowledge
15
misionary
aspects
relationship
leaders support
and
involvement,
build
knowledge in
conservation
issues
Build
knowledge
12
Marine Dept.,
University of
the South
Pacific
Joeli
Veitayaki
Marine
Resources,
marine
legislations
Marine
conservation
Improve
technology
13
Environment
Dept
Epeli Nasome
Environment
Act
Retired
Provincial
Admin Officer
Ratu Inoke
Seru
Fijian Affairs
Board role in
protection of
natural
resources
Raise
their
awareness
about
environmental
issues
Raise
their
awareness
about
environmental
issues
Endorsement,
support from
environment
department
14
strengthen the
link between
the project,
Province and
Government
strengthen the
link between
the project,
Province and
Government
15
Sawaieke
District Rep.
Ratu Malakai
Seru
Village
regulation,
village
natural
resources
management
Information
about
threat
and
opportunities in
natural
resources
management
Ensure village
participation,
support village
in drafting
regulation
16
Navukailagi
District Rep.
Ratu Marika
Bulimaibau
Potential for
village buy in
sub-district
officer
Information
about threats
and
opportunities in
natural
resource
management
Potential for
village buy in
sub-district
officer,
Information
about threats
and
opportunities in
natural
resource
management
Potential for
village buy in
sub-district
officer,
Information
about threats
and
opportunities in
natural
resource
management
Information
about
threat
and
opportunities in
natural
resources
management
Ensure village
participation,
support village
in drafting
regulation
Information
about threat
and
opportunities in
natural
resources
management
Ensure village
participation,
support village
in drafting
regulation
17
Vanuaso
District Rep.
Viliame
Nasawe
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
Village
regulation,
village
natural
resources
management
Village
regulation,
village
natural
resources
management
Endorsement,
Support from
the Provincial
office
16
18
Environmental
Consultants
Dr. Dick
Watling
Environment
Impact
Assessment,
Biodiversity
relationships,
Dynamics of
nature
Environment
impact
assessment,
biodiversity
relationships,
dynamics of
nature
Recent
sightings of the
birds
Traditional
Ethno biological
knowledge,
more
information for
consultation
19
Birdlife
International
Guy Dutson
Birds of Fiji
Knowledge on
birds, endemic
birds
More
information on
birds of Gau
Update reports
on birds of
Gau/Fiji
20
Tourism
Ministry
Vili
Komaibole
Visit number,
business
prospect
Trend in tourist
visitation and
itinerary
Ensure
enterprise
involvement
and support
21
Roko Tui
Lomaiviti
Ratu Filimoni
Baleivuke
22
Fijian Affairs
Alifereti
Bogiva
23
Agriculture
Ratu Lagani
Lewanavanua
Josese
Raiwale
Fijian Affairs
Board role in
protection of
natural
resources
Fijian Affairs
Board role in
protection of
natural
resources
Legislations
Farming
technology
and food
technology
24
Village head
Opportunity to
meet subdistrict officer,
meet other
village staff,
information
about threat
and
opportunities in
natural
resource
management
Ensure village
participation,
might expected
project as
giving out fund
25
Women’s
Rep.
Josau Lailai
Marika M
P. Qalo
Kalisito Koroi
Jovilisi
Cavuka
Apakuki Koroi
Simione
Savou
Naibuka K
Penisoni T
Akariva K
Nacavanadi
Epeli Kuru
Manasa
Rokosuka
Kiniviliame
Joji Suka
Tevita. Seru
Adi Takila L,
Amelia Qoli,
strengthen the
link between
the project,
Province and
Government
strengthen the
link between
the project,
Province and
Government
Market
development,
farming
technology and
food
technology
Potential for
village buy in,
information of
village and the
people need to
improve their
welfare
Nature
resources as
tourism
attraction,
expanding
market
Raise their
awareness
about
environmental
issues
Raise their
awareness
about
environmental
issues
Improve tools
and technology
in farming,
alternative food
technology
Decision
making
Ensure women
and family
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
Alternative
program to
support
village
welfare
Decision
making,
Women role in
decision
Endorsement,
Support from
the Provincial
office
Endorsement,
Support from
the Provincial
office
Ensure farmers
participation,
build
knowledge
17
26
Youth Rep
Rota Yabaki
Ms
Bulimaibau,
Mrs
Bulimaibau
gender base
employment
making for
nature resource
management
patterns,
gender role
practices in
daily life
Solomone
Qaranivalu,
Eroni Kuru
Youth
development
Conservation
projects
Build
knowledge,
awareness
raising
participation,
maintain
gender
balance, get
women
perspectives
Build
knowledge,
participation
Key:
Participated in the first meeting only
Participated in both meeting
Participated in the second meeting only
Unable to attend the meeting
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
18
Figure 3: Initial Concept Model
National Economic Policies
Local
Economic
Problems
Limited
manpower
resources
Socio Cultural
Values
Expanding
Population
Limited
financial
resources
Timber consumption
Limited job
opportunities
Limited
Education
opportunities
Illegal small-
Unemployment
Low environmental
knowledge/
Awareness and regulations
Poverty
Soil
erosion
scale logging
Building houses,
Collecting firewood
Land Ownership
Landslide
Need for cash
Over-harvesting of
products
Expanding
subsistence
agriculture
Introduced plant species
e.g. climbing vine
Fire
Deforestation
Siltation
Introduced animal
species e.g. cats,
rats, etc.
Forest
Dynamics
Gau’s Upland
Forest
Poorly
enforced
regulations
Hunting
Weather
Wild Animal
Populations
Ecosystems
Little
knowledge/regulations
on forests use
Drought
Hurricanes
No environmental
education program
Key: Initial Concept Model for Gau Terrestrial Ecosystems
Milika
Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
Direct
factor
Indirect factor
Contributing factor
19
Revised Concept Model
The second stakeholder meeting was held in Navukailagi village, Gau Island on 29 th April 2003.
The result from the later meeting was a revised version of the concept model and confirming the
flagship species and slogan for the campaign purposes.
Below is the revised concept model (Figure 4).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
20
Figure 4: Final Concept Model
National Economic Policies
Local
Economic
Problems
Socio Cultural
Values
Expanding
Population
Limited
manpower
resources
Limited
financial
resources
Timber consumption
Limited job
opportunities
Illegal smallLow environmental
knowledge/
Awareness and regulations
Soil
erosion
scale logging
Building houses,
Collecting firewood
Landslide
Need for cash
Over-harvesting of
products
Fire
Deforestation
Siltation
Introduced animal
species e.g. cats,
rats, etc.
Introduced plant species
e.g. climbing vine
Forest
Dynamics
Gau’s Upland
Forest
Poorly
enforced
regulations
Hunting
Weather
Wild Animal
Populations
Drought
Hurricanes
Ecosystems
Little
knowledge/regulations
on forests use
No environmental
education program
Key: Final Concept Model for Gau Terrestrial Ecosystems
Direct factor
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
indirect factor
Contributing factor
21
Gau Island Final Concept Model Summary
The target condition for the Fiji Petrel project on the island of Gau is Gau’s Upland Forest
Ecosystems. This can be described in terms of forest dynamics and the interaction of the plant
and animal communities that are found in the upland forests of Gau. Over-harvesting of products,
deforestation, expanding agriculture, hunting, timber consumption, introduction of exotic species
and fire are degrading this condition. In view of Gau’s location less than 80km from Suva, Fiji’s
capital on the island of Viti Levu, it is surprising that Gau’s flora and fauna has been the subject of
only superficial collection and little research including the world’s last remaining population of the
endemic elusive Fiji Petrel. This and other species of flora and fauna are threatened by hunting
and introduced exotic species that can spread to the islands very easily, being so close to Suva.
Limited job opportunities, local community wanting more land to farm. Illegal small scale logging
by the community results in the continuing loss of their physical environment through
deforestation. Deforestation is also caused by other direct threats such as fire. Fire is usually
started during slash and burn agriculture.
Illegal small-scale logging is another threat that is affecting Gau’s upland forest ecosystems.
Community members complain that they have little knowledge on regulations involving illegal
logging. The Chiefs and the community, however, expressed their willingness to cooperate with
the National Trust of Fiji Islands to solve these illegal activities. The National Trust will create a
link between the Ministry of Forests and the local community. This will allow the Ministry of
Forests to advise the community on proper regulations and implications.
Another threat that is affecting Gau’s upland forest ecosystems is the over-harvesting of products.
This is done due to a widespread lack of understanding on the importance of forest ecosystems,
a lack of land, resources and tenure rights, and the need for cash. Local Economic Problems is
also a factor to Fiji’s economy. Government, non-governmental organisations and the private
sectors have reduced employees, which have resulted in a lack of job opportunities. There are
high rates of unemployment due to lack of job opportunities and the need for cash result from
high rates of unemployment and poverty in the area. The need for cash is a function of the need
to cover expenses for food, education, health services, and community member’s contribution
towards development on the island. Formal education influences these economic factors as
population growth. A lack of knowledge on appropriate agricultural techniques by farmers in Gau
also results from a lack of educational opportunities and advice. Inadequate government
economic policies result in local economic problems, which lead to limited education
opportunities, and again the need for cash arises due to limited job opportunities and poverty, as
there are limited financial resources. Poorly enforced regulations by the Ministry of Forests and a
lack of manpower resources also affect the way the natural resources in Gau’s Upland Forests
are used.
During the one day workshop an Initial Concept Model for the project was created on the wall.
There were many positive activities and ideas that were suggested by the community for the
Trust to work on. Chiefs of villages on Gau were in one group and they came up with an idea of
setting up a bird sanctuary on Gau Island, which shows that the Chiefs were very proud of the
bird and were quite supportive of the project. Having an idea of a bird sanctuary put forth by the
Chiefs was good news to the community and to the National Trust.
The fact that the community in Gau has low levels of knowledge about the forest regulations was
raised. This lack of awareness could be addressed through the Environmental Education
Program.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
22
The Flagship Species
The Fiji Petrel: Population Study
Introduction
The Fiji Petrel Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi is one of the world’s most critically endangered birds
(Birdlife International 2000) and for many years was thought to be extinct. It all began more than
one hundred years ago when H.M.S. Herald called at Gau in Fiji’s Lomaiviti group in 1855.
Undertaking the first major hydrographical survey of Fiji waters, maps still record the Herald visit
to Gau by Herald Bay and Herald Roadstead. But in the bird world, the Herald’s visit was even
more significant, for the medical officer on board; Dr F.M.Rayner collected a few birds. They were
packed up and sent off to the British Museum where they were well received by the bird
taxonomy expert who immediately recognised that a dark rather drab seabird was a petrel new to
science. Ironically they called it MacGillivray’s Petrel; it is, in any case, more appropriate to refer
to the bird as the Fiji Petrel rather than MacGillivray’s petrel (Watling 1986). He had been the
Herald’s naturalist/botanist for three years but had left the vessel six months earlier. This single
specimen is now in the British Museum.
The petrel, now named Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi, was not seen again, despite a visit in
February 1925, by the Whitney South Sea Expedition of the American Museum of Natural
History, which collected a small number of birds.
Until now, this species has not been seen anywhere else in the world. This makes the seabird
unique and of special importance to Fiji. In 1984, after months of searching, a single adult flew
into naturalist’s Dr Dick Watling’s spotlight and collided with his head. It was examined,
photographed and released. Nothing more is yet known about its status or its breeding site,
although the latter is suspected to be in the cloud forests of highland Gau (Watling 1986). One
dead specimen collected by Mr Kolinio Moce in 1985, was lodged with the Fiji Museum. It had not
been determined whether this bird was an adult or juvenile. According to the IUCN conservation
status, it is believed that this endemic seabird is in critically endangered.
The Fiji Petrel (Kacau ni Gau is its local name) is an endemic seabird found only on Gau Island,
Fiji. Petrels belong to the Albatross family and like Albatrosses they spend much of the year stay
far out at sea, visiting land only at dusk to lay their eggs in holes in the ground. It is likely to breed
amongst large numbers of Collared Petrel Pterodroma brevipes in the rugged terrain of interior
Gau (where over 70km of suitable forest exists up to 715m)
Their nesting sites are carefully chosen, small inaccessible islets or more often inland on larger
islands in thick bush, or on steep slopes or rocky cliffs. Rare island birds are, unfortunately, rather
commonplace; evolving in isolation with few predators especially man. But rare seabirds are a
different story. In the bird world, island endemic seabirds are a rarity. Seabirds tend to be mobile
and the same species turn up in many different places. Healthy seabird populations help recycle
nutrients and maintain healthy marine ecosystems.
These birds are a national pride to the people of Fiji and are of great significance to the people of
Gau and the province of Lomaiviti as they are only sighted on Gau Island. Extinction of the
‘Kacau ni Gau’, which is found only on Gau Island, would result in a great loss in the island’s
heritage and pride and to the country and its people.
This species is classified as Critical because it is inferred, given the paucity of recent records, that
there is only a tiny population that is confined to an extremely small breeding area. Furthermore,
it is assumed to be declining because of predation by cats, which may therefore threaten its long-
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
23
term survival. The Fiji petrel is brown-black in colour. It is a small bird and with long and slender
wings together with light body weight enabling the bird to fly long distances without much strain.
Being a sea bird these body features are essential for its survival (Fiji Beach Press 1984).
In June 2003, an expedition was mounted to the island of Gau, Fiji, to search for the Fiji Petrel
Pseudobulweria. A total of nine days were spent on the island, seven of these were spent
searching the hinterland around Mount Delaco, the highest peak on the island. Collared Petrels
Pterodroma brevipes were heard, seen and captured, but no Fiji Petrels were recorded.
A nocturnal call, emanating from the ground, was heard from the ridge overlooking Gau
Secondary School. This unidentified call was similar to a petrel call, but not that of a small
Pterodroma such as the Collared Petrel. A Fiji Petrel may have made it, but as there is no record
of the vocalisations made by this species, verification was not possible. Threats to the Fiji petrel
include rats (Pacific Rat Rattus exulans, Black Rat R.rattus, and Brown Rat R.norvegicus are all
purported to be present), cats and feral pigs. As far as could be ascertained, there is nowhere on
the island where petrels could nest and be safe from these potential predators. Cliffs or
mountainous, inaccessible ledges are not present in Gau. It is believed that further searchers for
the Fiji Petrel are unlikely to be successful until a greater body of information can be gathered by
documenting all groundlings and by increasing the amount of data obtained from each ground
bird. In addition, the rate of data acquisition may be accelerated by deliberately attracting birds to
a designated location using high power (240 volt) spotlight.
The only maintained track in the hinterland provides access to a telecom repeater tower situated
just below Mount Delaco (720m), the highland highest peak.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
24
Figure 5: Map of Gau Island, Fiji showing location of the survey, Mt.
Delaco, highest peak on Gau Island.
Threats
The servicing of a recently constructed telecommunications transmitter on the summit of Gau
may facilitate the movement of feral cats and rats (Pacific rat Rattus exulans and Brown rat
Rattus norvegicus) to the breeding area, and thereby increase predation. Although Pterodroma
brevipes seems to nest successfully (and its seasonal breeding in the first half of the year may
swamp cat predation), it is possible that Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi has a more prolonged
breeding season later in the year, and it could therefore suffer disproportionately.
Conservation
Local residents know the rarity and significance of this species and it is featured on a Fijian bank
note. It is protected under Fijian law. In 1989, research on the ridge around possible nesting
areas was terminated since it was felt that such activities, without complementary conservation
action, could encourage cats to follow paths into the area.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
25
Causes of Extinction
While natural events and processes can cause extinction, it is humans and their activities that are
overwhelmingly responsible for the current, rapid rate of extinction. The three principal ways by
which humans cause extinctions in Gau are:



Habitat destruction;
Habitat disturbance;
Introduction of invasive species.
Today, habitat destruction and disturbance (especially loss of forest habitats and sites of breeding
colonies) is the most likely to cause extinctions. The introduction of invasive species remains a
serious threat.
Method of Population Study
Gau campaign coordinator of National Trust of Fiji Islands, Ms Milika Ratu and part time Ranger,
Mr Amania Taukei went to camp at Delaco (highest peak on Gau), Gau Island with the two
Petrels specialists, Mr David Priddel and Mr Nicholas Carlile of New South Wales National Parks,
Australia and Dr Dick Watling of Environmental Consultants. Included in the team were two field
guides from Navukailagi village, Gau Island.
The purpose of the visit is to:
i.
Locate nesting burrows of Fiji Petrels through observations of flights and calls, and field
surveys in the mountains.
ii.
Conduct surveys of feral cats and rats in the mountains to document their presence and
abundance in different areas.
iii.
If burrows are located, survey for feral cats and rats in the area and develop a control
plan for these predators.
iv.
Examine trails and roads that exist in the mountains to see if they are providing access to
rats and cats to higher elevations.
v.
If a petrel is caught, place a temporary radio-tracking device on the bird to help
researchers locate burrows and feeding areas.
Figure 6: Dr Watling, Dr David
and Milika spotlighting at Delaco.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
Figure 7: Dr Watling, Dr David,
Amania and Milika Ratu on
Mount Delaco.
26
The initial goal of the conservation program aimed at saving the Fiji Petrel is to determine the
location of the Bird’s nesting grounds. Seabirds spend only a few months ashore each year and
are easily detectable only during the brief courtship period or around the time of egg-laying.
Outside this period, breeding petrels only return to land to feed their chicks and typically arrive
and depart quickly and silently. Sighting birds during this chick rearing period would be extremely
fortuitous and sighting them outside the breeding season impossible.
Petrels are most vocal and most visible on their nesting grounds during courtship and egg laying,
when birds engage in noisy courtship flights and vigorously defend nest burrows. Based on the
small number of sightings of the Fiji Petrel, mostly when they came to ground in villages on Gau,
it would appear that this species is a winter breeder, laying eggs in May, June or July (Priddel and
Carlile 2003). For this reason the expedition was done in June, when it was thought that there
was a good chance of being able to detect the birds both on the ground and on air. Unfortunately,
the age of the grounded birds could not be verified, making it difficult to accurately predict the
timing of the breeding cycle. Moreover, the recent capture of an adult ashore in December 2002,
confirmed photographically, is inconsistent with the supposition that this species breeds in winter.
Thus while it remained an objective of the expedition to locate burrows and nesting grounds, the
main purpose of this initial visit was to undertake a reconnoitre of the area and local conditions
and to assess a number of potential field techniques that could be used in any future expedition.
Like other petrels, the Fiji Petrel comes ashore only under the cover of darkness and returns to
sea before dawn. If it were possible to capture a Fiji Petrel by attracting them with a spotlight, as
done by Dr Dick Watling in 1984, it was proposed that the grounded birds be fitted with a small
radio transmitter. This would enable them to be radio tracked to their nesting burrows, providing
of course that they were inward bound and not heading back to sea. GPS location equipment,
abseiling capabilities and remote sound recording equipment were incorporated into the field
techniques for the expedition.
The expedition focused on a search of the hinterland around Mount Delaco, the highest peak on
Gau. Over a period of seven days we conducted nineteen (19) hours of spotlighting (using one or
two spotlights), twelve hours of diurnal searchers for nesting habitat or burrows, eight hours of
nocturnal searches for grounded birds and two hours of nocturnal searchers for vocalizations
using remote audio recorders. In addition, while walking between the campsite at the Telecom
tower, Mt Delaco and the Secondary School overlook, we were constantly looking for petrel
activity and listening for any unusual vocalizations. All potential sightings or sounds were
investigated. The duration of spotlighting searchers was limited by battery recharging capabilities.
Diurnal searchers were made difficult by the steep terrain and restricted by a lack of information
or clues identifying likely or potential habitat.
As far as could be ascertained, there was nowhere on the island where petrels could nest that
was inaccessible to cats, rats or pigs. Cliffs or mountainous, inaccessible ledges were absent.
Fifteen observations were made of Collared Petrels Pterodroma brevipes (known on the island as
Kacau vula) during spot lightings searches and numerous other sightings were made while
moving between spotlighting sites. Aerial calls of Collared Petrels were heard during nocturnal
audio searchers at all high vantage points between the Telecom power and the Secondary
School overlook. Most activity was recorded at Mount Delaco. In misty conditions, birds made
repeated low-level passes across the mountain top.
A single Collared Petrel was found during nocturnal searchers for grounded birds (8th June 2003
at 0110, 120m south of the Secondary school overlook). No earth burrows or other signs of
petrels were detected from the diurnal searchers, although natural holes and crevices around tree
roots were common, providing ideal potential nesting habitat. No Fiji Petrels were seen during the
expedition, and it appears high unlikely that, at least during June, the Fiji Petrel breeds in the
hinterland south-west of the secondary School overlook. A nocturnal call, emanating from the
ground, was heard from the ridge overlooking the Secondary school. It came from the valley to
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
27
the north-west of the overlook, below Delainavuga Hill. Conditions at that time, clear and
windless, were highly conducive for sound transmission.
Discussion of Population Survey
Typically, petrels are readily detectable on land for only a few weeks during courtship and egglaying. Given the logistical difficulties in mounting upland searchers on Gau, we believe that
further searchers for the Fiji Petrel are unwarranted until a greater body of information is available
regarding the timing of the breeding cycle of the species. Until it is known precisely when these
birds breed, the discovery of the nesting ground of this species will be exceeding difficult, and
more the result of luck than informed, target action. It is also possible that the nesting grounds
may be dispersed, with burrows scattered across large areas of the island.
There are seven documented incidences of birds landing on the roofs of buildings. To date, the
information obtained from these birds has been minimal. Yet, the information that could be
gleaned from grounded birds is of crucial importance, and could provide the best means of
determining the timing of the breeding cycle. The first priority in any recovery plan must be to
ensure the maximum amount of information possible is extracted from all grounded birds. Basic
data that needs to be recorded includes date, time, weather conditions, age of the bird (adult or
juvenile), weight, sex, morphometrics (tarsus length, wing length, culmen length), breeding
condition, plumage condition and moult. A photographic record of each grounded bird would also
be highly advantageous. Dead birds should be assessed locally and then quickly transported to
Suva for further study. Under no circumstances should any dead material, no matter how delayed
or damaged, be discarded, lost or buried. Such material is of immense scientific value, and can
provide firm data as to the timing of breeding season.
A means of training and empowering villagers to extract as much data as possible from each
grounded bird is paramount. Villagers should be provided with access to a camera and a means
of preserving dead specimens. An affordable and rapid means of transporting birds from Nukuloa
and Nawaikama villages to Suva should be developed and readied. Any program developed for
the Fiji Petrel should also include the Collared Petrel and the Tahiti Petrel. Information obtained
from Collared Petrels will not only be of scientific interest in its own right, but the experience of
dealing with this species will better prepare the people and systems for dealing with the rarer,
more valuable Fiji Petrel and Tahiti Petrel.
Acknowledging that many groundings of Fiji Petrel have probably gone unreported, it remains that
such events are relatively uncommon. Even if the reporting rate is increased, collecting sufficient
data to determine the timing of the breeding cycle may take many years. This process could be
hastened significantly if it were possible to deliberately attract Fiji Petrels (and Collared Petrels) to
a designated lowland site be considered. The Secondary school may be one place where this
could be done successfully. Birds could be attracted to the school by the installation of one or two
mains powered spotlights.
The people of Gau appear to be sympathetic to genuine attempts to protect and conserve their
natural heritage. Understandably, many did not, until recently, appreciate the uniqueness and
scientific importance of the Fiji Petrel, nor were they aware of the international concern for its
continued survival. The highly successful and innovative education campaign currently being
undertaken by the National Trust of Fiji Islands is rapidly changing this situation.
From this work and other observations, we hope to develop a draft long-term conservation
strategy for this species that can be presented to the communities of Gau for their review. Results
of this survey will help determine future scientific work for this endemic species. Although it is
known that the species survives, we know nothing of its population size or where it breeds. Gau
appears to have sufficient suitable habitat to support a large population, but it is undoubtedly
small, otherwise this distinctive petrel would have been seen out at sea. The difficulty in finding its
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
28
burrows will be compounded by the presence of large numbers of collared petrel burrows
(Watling 1986).
Since the introduced mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus has, as far as is known, eliminated all
nesting colonies of the collared petrel on Fiji’s islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Gau must now
be considered as one of this species’ most important breeding sites. It seems likely that the
replacement of the grass and reed, where petrels cannot breed, by pines will be beneficial as
petrels should be able to burrow under the trees (Watling 1986).
Classification Of The Fiji Petrel
Figure 8: Fiji Petrel found in
Nukuloa village on 29th Dec 2002.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Proceilariidae
Genus: Pseudobulweria
Species: MacGillivrayi
Common name: Fiji Petrel
Local name: Kacau ni Gau
Distribution: Known to breed/nest only on Gau Island
Description: Small, all black brown petrel, stout black bill, thickset; pale blue tarsus, black webbed
feet with central blue patch.
Biology: Nests on high-forested ridges on Gau Island. Feeds in Pelagic (deep ocean) waters far
from land.
Maximum size: 30 centimeters
Environment: High forested ridges
Importance: Endemic to Gau Island and is threatened with extinction
(Source: Dick Watling)
See Appendix 2 for description of the Fiji Petrel from sightings.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
29
Origin Of The Pseudobulweria Petrels
The Fiji Petrel and its five relatives were for many years regarded as a distinct group of Gadfly
petrels. However, it is argued that they represent a much more ancient lineage, a lineage that
diverged from the ancestors of the Procellaria (the central lineage on the Gladfly and related
petrels) a very long time ago, perhaps during the Oligocene or Miocene epoch (Imber 1985). The
Pseudobulweria petrels are morphologically heavier and sturdier than the Gadfly petrels, and in
this manner resemble the modern Procellaria petrels. Unlike the Gadfly petrels, which are agile
tree climbers and so can nest at any altitude, Procellaria petrels are relatively cumbersome and
are solely ridge top nesters with prominent taking off and landing sites. It is believed by the
authors that the Fiji Petrel is similar and is nesting somewhere in the cloud forest ridges of Gau
(Watling and Gillison 2003). Many hundreds hours of searching by several researchers and
assistants have failed to find any nesting burrows.
With the exception of the Tahiti petrel, which is quite widespread in the Pacific, the three other
extant Pseudobulweria petrels are very rare and one, P.rupinarium from St. Helena, is extinct. In
addition to the Fiji Petrel, classed as critically endangered, by the IUCN) Beck’s petrel (P.becki) is
only known from two specimens taken more than sixty years ago from the waters off the northern
Solomon Islands. The Reunion petrel (P.atterima) was rediscovered in early 1970s on Reunion
Island and is now known from only three specimens (Watling and Gillison 2003).
The four extant members of the group are tropical species. They speculate that, as with other
petrels of procellarian ancestry, they originated in cool southern latitudes. During a glacial
maximum they expanded their range into all three tropical oceans, but with the onset of warmer
times survive today only in suitable refugia. It is believed that the cloud forest of Gau has
provided a stable refuge for the Fiji Petrel as well as for the adventurous Tahiti petrel. The
intriguing question is; why is the Fiji petrel apparently restricted to Gau Island? One possibility
could be the low altitude of the cloud forest perhaps the petrel is averse to flying far over land
(Watling and Gillison 2003).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
30
Conservation Education Activities
Production and Distribution of Conservation Educational Materials
Posters
The artwork done by Ms Jane Borg was used for the publications on producing awareness
materials for the project. The first set of Posters was sent to Mr Shiri Ram of George Rubine
Advertising and Consultants as he agrees to assist with the design of the posters. One thousand
Fijian copies of Posters were printed. The posters contained a slogan and informative information
on the bird as being an endemic species, it nests in the upland forest of Gau and therefore should
think before destroying the forests, and in order to save this bird, the people of Gau must work
together as one in protecting it before extinction.
The second set of posters had included pictures of awareness campaign during the past few
months of conducting activities in the community. This was produced mainly for the Gau
community. It contained constructive information of the bird. Actually two sets of posters were
published. The first poster that was published contained seven bullet points on the importance of
the birds with the slogan written on it. The second posters, which were mostly preferred by the
community, contained a simple message, which was for the community read “Let’s save our
Island bird, Act Now Before it is Extinct.”
In the second poster, the community easily decoded messages with slogan printed on the
posters. Actually after talking to members of the community regarding the poster, they have
asked for more productions of the posters and therefore two thousand posters were printed out
while only one thousand posters were produced for the first production.
Members of the community, not only elders but also youths and children have talked about the
project itself, the importance of birds, the Fiji Petrel which shows positive attitude by the
community. Community have also talked not only about the bird but the importance of Gau
biodiversity, which includes flora and fauna and its conservation.
Distribution of Posters
Eight hundred Fijian posters were distributed during school visits in May to schools, villages,
government offices and other public places while the distribution of the second set of posters was
conducted from 8th November to 15th November 2003 and five hundred English posters were
distributed in October. Posters were distributed to 16 villages, 4 settlements, 13 kindergartens, 9
Primary schools, a single secondary school on Gau Island and Bulu Methodist Training Center,
Provincial office, postal agencies, nursing stations, police station, shops and other environmental
organisations based in Suva.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
31
Badges
Mr Shiri Ram of George Rubine Advertising and Consultant did the design for the badge. The
badge design was sent to Ms Rosemary Godfrey in England in which she was liaising with a
company fro Hawaii to work with the printing of the material. Ms Godfrey brought it along on her
visit to Fiji on the 5th of April 2003.
Distribution of Badges
Forty badges were distributed to the stakeholder participants, ten were distributed to National
Trust Council members, Environmental Consultants, Wildlife Conservation Society and Birdlife
International had two each. Ms Godfrey had three badges. It was then distributed to 16 villages, 4
settlements, and 13 kindergartens, 9 Primary schools, Gau Secondary School on and Bulu
Methodist Training Center, Provincial office, postal agencies, nursing stations, police station,
shops in Gau and other environmental organisations based in Suva.
Billboards
Figure 9: Billboard in community.
Design for the billboard was done by George Rubine Advertising and Consultants and was
printed by Kris signs.
Three billboards have been put up on Gau Island. One billboard is at Gau government station,
members’ of the community in Qarani village put up the billboard at the Qarani government
station while the Gau Ranger, Mr Amania Taukei, put up the one at the Gau airport. On the
billboard, for the airport and at the government, says ‘Welcome to Gau, and the slogan was
written underneath says ‘Kacau ni Gau, The Pride of Our Island’ with the artwork of the bird.
The third billboard was put up at Gau’s single secondary school. The one that has been put up at
the school has both the design of the bird and the slogan. In addition to this were the Gau
Secondary School Logo and their motto.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
32
Fact Sheets
Figure 10: Fiji Petrel fact sheet.
Brochures were produced for the Gau community, which includes villages, schools and
government workers on Gau. A draft was circulated to all National Trust staff for their perusal and
comments. It was also circulated to Dr Dick Watling as he has the amount of relevant past
experience on this bird and his inclusion on the effort needed to acquire the information.
Brochures were then printed after sending the second, which was the final draft.
The heading titled “Fiji Petrel, the Pride of our Island” while sub-headings titled “The Fiji Petrel”
explained the bird, “The Pride of Gau” explained the local name of the bird Kacau ni Gau, which
identifies the name of Gau land, therefore, people throughout Fiji and the rest of the world can
recognise Gau as a special place and the extinction of this bird will result in a great loss in the
island’s heritage and pride, “Project objectives”, “Habits”, “Identification”, “Nesting and Feeding
Habitat”, “Threats” and “How can You Help?”. In the end it was written, in BOLD letters, that
present Gauans should think of their future generations and “Save the Kacau ni Gau, The Pride
of our Island.”
One thousand Fijian copies and Five hundred English copies were printed. Fact sheets
containing an information on the bird, its nesting and feeding habitat which is supposedly not to
be destroyed by the community in Gau, its threats and the theme of working together to save the
bird before extinction. It was designed and printed for the community in for their reading and
simultaneously developing their skills in protecting nature, as it is part of their natural heritage.
The distribution of brochures was coincided with the campaign coordinator’s school visit.
Production of 1,000 vernacular version and 500 English brochures were produced. Personal
interviews were made to some members of the community regarding the information on the
brochure. They said that the brochure looks attractive due to its contrasting colours and strong
visuals. The sentences are short to enable the target audience decode the message. Words used
were in simple terms and was also written in the size of letters that will enable them to read and
understand. They liked the valuable information on the brochure which elaborating further on the
characteristics of the bird which many members of the community do not know, while others said
that these words from the brochure will help them preserve the bird by releasing it and will also
disseminate information to friends and families.
Eight hundred Vernacular version and three hundred English version of Fact Sheets were
distributed to 16 villages, 4 settlements, 13 kindergartens, 9 Primary schools, a single secondary
school on Gau Island and Bulu Methodist Training Center, Provincial office, postal agencies,
nursing stations, police station, shops in Gau and other environmental organisations based in
Suva.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
33
Sermon Sheet and Services
Figure 11: Sermon sheet cover.
The sermon sheet is titled “Kacau ni Gau – God’s Gift To Us.” The sermon sheet looks attractive
due to its contrasting colours and strong visuals. These were made due to the target audience's
interests. The sermon sheet setting included message repetition, to make the message
memorable it is repeated over and over again. During the duration of a year campaign, The
“Kacau ni Gau” which is commonly known as the Fiji Petrel has become a bird of national pride
and is of great significance and value traditionally. In the traditional and cultural context, the Fijian
people place much value and significance on the animals, birds and fish that traditionally belongs
to their clan. The “Kacau ni Gau” is no exception. During field tours conducted in Gau this year
(2003) a few villages have confirmed that the “Kacau ni Gau” is their traditional bird.
Mr Muli was the gentleman who worked on the sermon sheet. Since the time of his work on the
sermon coincided with Fiji’s annual Methodist Conference there has been a delayed in getting the
sermon sheet available on time. The campaign coordinator did the translation and Mrs Penina
Namata of World Wide Fund edited this for Nature. Mr Shiri Ram of George Rubine did the
design and printing. One thousand copies of comic books were printed and eight hundred copies
were distributed from 8th November to 15th November 2003 to the sixteen villages, four
settlements, nine primary schools, Gau Secondary school, thirteen kindergartens, Provincial
office, postal agencies, nursing stations, police station, shops in Gau, other environmental
organisations based in Suva.
The sermon says that the Lord God, creator of heaven and earth is the supreme ruler of the
entire universe and for the ‘Fiji Petrel’ that dwells in the hills on Gau Island is known to God
according to his word. It is Gods special gift to the people of Gau and Fiji because this rare little
bird is found only in Gau and nowhere else in the world.
Very little is known about this bird, even by the people of Gau, except that they stay far out at sea
most of the year, visiting land only at dusk to lay their eggs in holes in the ground on the hills of
the island of Gau. These nocturnal birds may have a life span of 20-30 years. The first sighting of
this bird occurs in 1885. Another specimen was caught in 1985 and is now preserved and kept at
the Fiji Museum. Today it is estimated that fewer of this rare bird are in existence.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
34
Progress and development has resulted in over harvesting of products, deforestation, expanding
agriculture, hunting and introduction of exotic species and therefore threatens the very existence
of the “Kacau ni Gau”. The existence of this little rare bird will be a great loss to the nation and the
people of Fiji especially to the people of Gau.
Today the “Kacau ni Gau” is crying Extinction!! Extinction!! But who will hear their cry? Who will
take notice of their grave danger that they face? Who will take responsibility? The “Kacau ni Gau”
is in similar predicament today, the fact that is faces extinction is a matter of great concern and
what it would need most now is an “ark of safety” to the people of Gau and Fiji. The challenge is
before us. God has given us responsibility over his creation in this part of the world.
The National Trust of Fiji Islands together with the Rare Center for Tropical Conservation are
willing and ready to stand by the people of Gau and Fiji to work together to provide that ark of
safety for the “Kacau ni Gau”. An ark where they will be safe and protected from all dangers
where they are preserved and allowed to multiply and fill the earth and contribute in helping to
recycle nutrients and maintain healthy marine ecosystems.
God’s eye is on the “Kacau ni Gau”…….it’s desperate cry for survival heard in heaven in the
heart of the living creator and may it also be heard in every village and in every heart of the
people of Gau. May we treasure this wonderful gift of God and do our utmost to preserve life and
provide an “ark of safety” a safe refuge and a shelter from the storm of life.
During services the church elders on Gau Island sometimes linked there sermons to the project
and that is preventing God’s creatures from going extinct especially the only Fiji’s endemic
seabird and community are always reminded to take up oar God given responsibility and work
together to give the “Kacau ni Gau” a chance to increase and fill the hills of Gau. Any may the
sweet melody of their songs of praises rise up from the hills of the island of Gau to heaven as the
sweet fragrance.
Two church ministers who worked on the sermon carefully chose the quotes that were used here.
It was first drafted by a church minister before and was later sent to the second minister before
final printing. This fits into the community’s level of understanding. In cases where we quote, a
little explanation was put underneath the quotes to summarise the verse. One thousand
vernacular copies of sermon were distributed around the island. These were distributed amongst
the sixteen villages and one settlement in Gau. These were used in churches as well by the
preachers.
Personal interviews with the preachers were held in the village of Somosomo in Gau and have
said that the production of the sermon sheet was the very first material produced by an
environmental organisation to do with God and his creation. They find it very interesting and they
liked preaching the documents in church. In the interview he said that ‘community should have
respect themselves and have respect for others, not only humans but all living creations which
also include the birds. This means that there is a role for everyone to play and this cannot be
achieved only by a person, there must be teamwork. Therefore, working together as a team for
the community will prevent the birds from extinction by taking positive thinking and attitudes’.
These sermon sheets were used in all churches in Gau.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
35
Environmental Comic
Figure 12: Cover of campaign comic book.
A volunteer for the Gau Project, Ms Agnes Talei Peters has put together the
writings for the comic book. The layout and the design of the comic was done by the Art Director,
Mr William De Bruce of Pro-Media Publications Limited, and edited by Dr Dick Watling while the
printing was done by Mr Shiri Ram of George Rubine and Advertising Consultants.
The target audience for producing the comic book are the children of class three and four (age of
eight and nine). The draft was sent to a school in Suva called “The Learning Center” (one of the
brightest primary schools in Fiji) and was circulated around the class three and four students to
note comments and include any sentence they intend to put so that they understand the story and
the message it is conveyed to them. This was given to children and they replace terms or any
sentence that they want to omit and insert new sentence which will make them understand the
conservation message. A positive response to this evaluation makes it more likely that the
children continued to read the comic. This was then distributed to the schools in Gau.
The cover of the comic book showed the Fiji Petrel on an island holding the Fiji flag with the
slogan written on it, “Kacau ni Gau, The Pride of our Island.” The colour of the comic book looks
attractive and message in the comic was really strong and was written in the way the islanders
can be really proud of themselves.
Personal interviews were done with a school teacher from Narocake District School and students
of Vadravadra village who attended Narocake District School. They said that they understood the
message as it was relayed in a very simple English terms used suitable for the children of that
age group. They decode the message, which is preventing the bird from going forever. “It’s also
good to know that fire, cats, rats, wild pigs, logging can lead to the extinction of the bird,” said one
student.
Although the comic was written in English, students said that they do understand, as the English
terms used were suitable for them. Students in rural areas studied English in schools and they
also have qualified teachers from the government to go and teach on the island. In addition to the
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
36
contents, there are also Fijian poems that are in the comic, which contributed to their
understanding and knowledge.
Students liked the layout of the comic and in addition to this they get the conservation message
very quickly. Another student said by the look of the comic he tends to read the comic book more
than six times, we can imagine from here that this student can easily decode the message by the
times of his reading while few students suggested that there should be at least two poems,
essays or stories from each schools to be published in the papers rather that having only few
schools appeared on the comic book.
One thousand copies of comic books were printed and eight hundred copies were distributed
from 8th November to 15th November 2003 to the sixteen villages, four settlements, nine primary
schools, Gau Secondary school, thirteen kindergartens and other primary schools in the Suva
area.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
37
Legislation Booklet
Figure 13: Legislation booklet.
The information was derived from the Laws of Fiji on Birds of Chapter 170, which was published
in 1923 and re-printed in 1985 and were published for the protection of our native birds, and
therefore, shouldn’t be harmed. There are four sections in which these laws are written for the
protection of the bird and they are (1) The Preliminary (2) Protected Birds (3) Game and (4)
General.
Preliminary section indicates that legislation on birds of Fiji can be found in this book and
secondly, it is important that all birds of Fiji should be protected. Protected Birds indicates that if
there’s someone seen killing, harming or keeping the bird as a pet, destroying its nesting habitat
or taken its eggs, trading of birds or take the bird to other countries, they have committed a crime
and therefore be taken into court. The authorisation of conducting research on any birds of Fiji will
only come from the Minister of Justice. Game section indicates that it is against the law if you
shoot or take a bird from a reserve area.
In the General section it clearly indicates that if someone found guilty will be taken into court and
will be charged to pay a sum of money not more than $50, if he/she is not doing so, the law will
put him/her into prison for not more than three months. If you have instruments like guns, net, etc,
you could hand it in to various police stations.
The message to the community is to maintain our forest and marine ecosystems, the nesting and
feeding habitat of our beautiful island bird. Let us work together in preserving this endemic specie
so that those who follow us can witness the beautiful symbolic of our island – Fiji Petrel, The
Pride of our Island.
Actually, there has been a long overdue on the date of the production due to the long edition
made by number of people who edited the bird legislation for Gau. When contacted through their
organisations, they were away conducting various surveys with regards to their projects. Four
people were editing the booklet.
One thousand copies were printed an eight hundred copies the distribution was done from the
24th Jan to 31st Jan 2004 to all law enforcement officials, the sixteen villages, four settlements,
nine primary schools, Gau Secondary school, thirteen kindergartens, government offices in Gau,
other environmental organisations and other primary schools in the Suva area.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
38
Gau Wildlife Booklet
Figure 14: Wildlife booklet cover.
The translation of Dr Dick Watling’s was made and edited by Dr Watling of Environmental
Consultants and two National Trust staffs. Digitised pictures of Gau birds and the CD were
supplied by Dr Dick Watling and the printing of material was made.
One thousand copies were made and eight hundred copies were distributed. The distribution of
materials was conducted from 22nd November to 29th November 2003 to the sixteen villages, four
settlements, nine primary schools, Gau Secondary school, thirteen kindergartens, and
government offices in Gau, other environmental organisations and other primary schools in the
Suva area.
Art and Essay Competition
The students have art and essay competition. The school children were asked to write anything
they know of about the Fiji Petrel, they were also asked to draw the flagship specie. They were
rated in five categories and they are as follows:
Category 1: Gau Kindergarten (age 5)
Category 2: Class 1 – 5 (age 6-10)
Category 3: Class 6 – 8 (age 11-13)
Category 4: Form 3 – 6 (age 14-17)
Category 5: Tertiary institution (Gau Secondary Vocational School and Bulu Training Center)
A donation of $100 was received from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group for the
purchasing of books for prizes. This company have pledged their strong support for this
programme since it’s vital and that preserving environment is such a big issue to our nation, and
that the involvement of younger generation is very important. Many students take more interest in
drawings and writings with rewards provided. Most importantly, these activities (art and essay
competition) will enable the students to participate more.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
39
The due date for the collection of art and essay drawings was suppose to be on August 29 th
2003, but this has been extended to 20th September before having the second school visit on the
27th of October 2003. Art and essays from schools in Gau were well received.
Judging was on the third week of September. School visit begun in October, and was not held in
September as scheduled reason being primary schools were having examinations in September
and took break for a week. Therefore, school visit began in the beginning of October. Prizes were
given to the winners on the next visit, which was from 27th October.
Schools participated were as follows;
1. Lovu Kindergarten
2. Somosomo Kindergarten
3. Vadravadra Kindergarten
4. Narocake District School
5. Nukuloa Village School
6. Vione Primary School
7. Bulu Methodist Training Center
Distribution of Certificates of Achievement to Art and Essay
Competition Winners
Certificates were printed to those who have won in the art and essay competition. This
encourages the children participating in the future.
Figure 15: Sample competition certificate.
These were distributed from 8th Nov to 15th Nov 2003. They were well received by the Head of
Schools. For Lovu Kindergarten, the campaign coordinator was invited as a guest to attend the
kindergarten concert that will be held on the 28th Feb 2003. Campaign coordinator attended and
was called upon to give away prizes which including certificates of Achievement to the children.
The certificates were signed by the Kent course Manager, Ms Rosemary Godfrey and National
Trust Director, Mrs Elizabeth Erasito.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
40
Puppet Show Production
There are seven puppets altogether including a bird puppet. The seamstress finished these
puppets in two weeks before the trip down to Gau Island on May 17 th 2003. A local hardware
company called R C MANUBHAI LIMITED donated the puppet theatre. An appreciation letter was
written to them. In addition to this a report on school visit and pictures of puppet theatre and
shows using the pipes and glue that have donated.
Puppet Theater Show
Figure 16: Puppet theatre show set-up.
A meeting for Lovu village youths was called on the day of the arrival of the campaign coordinator
to appoint four boys and a girl to help with the puppet show. Training for the youths on how to
conduct puppet shows was done on the same evening. Boys were taught on how to build a
puppet theatre. The puppet show was conducted to all schools with the help of a Lovu village
youth group. In each school, we were always asked to do a repetition of what we showed to the
schools but due to time constraints we have to leave the school premises and move on to the
other. The puppet show was successful.
The puppet show was to make sure that the children understand and remember the key
conservation message that was conveyed to them. Assuredly, they will remember this since Fiji
hardly makes puppet shows for school children in rural areas. The only possible time that the
rural students sees puppet shows is when they come into big cities for a purpose, for example,
field trip. So when puppet shows is taken to rural areas for entertaining, students always love to
see and understand more on the message that an educator is trying to put through.
Puppet Script Summary
The Puppet shows in scene one explains about a farmer Joel, his wife Funga and their son Paul.
Joel is also a part time fisherman. Paul goes to Gau Primary school where Mrs Louis was the
head teacher. The story starts off with Joel packing his farming gear and simultaneously talking to
his wife. He was telling his wife to prepare his lunch before going to his farm the next morning as
he will need to plant a new plot of yams near the nesting site of the endemic Fiji Petrel. He was
also stressing out to his wife that it will take the whole day to clear up forests before planting. His
wife, Funga agreed to this, but later on came up with an idea of slash and burn as the easiest
method of clearing up the forests. Joel was more than happy to hear this and he agreed to use
slash and ask his wife to give him matches before he leaves for the farm. He was also asking his
wife if they have enough fish for the family on the same week.
In scene two, Mrs Louis of Gau Primary School invited Tom from Forestry Department and Jacob
from Fisheries Department to give a talk to the students about the importance of forests and
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
41
marine life. Mrs Louis introduced the two visitors to the students and also conveyed the purpose
of why they are there, i.e. what the students of Gau Primary School can do to best protect the
endemic Fiji Petrel, our Island bird, its nesting and feeding habitat.
Jacob stressed the importance of forests, e.g. Special protection of rare and endangered species
(Points were already given above in student’s counterpart speech before conducting puppet
shows), while Jacob stressed points on the importance of marine life. Message repetition is given
at this stage. Mrs Louis came on stage and asked the students to show their appreciation by
clapping their hands. She also informed the students to relay the message to their parents of
what they have learned in school during the day. Assuredly, the children will convey the message
as they witness the live entertainment, which is the puppet show, done in school.
Scene three explains that Paul reached home with a surprise from school. He informed his dad
about what he had learned, but as he started, his father interrupted. His dad continued saying
that the idea of having slash and burn is the easiest method to use when clearing up forests, as it
will only take less hours to clear. This was supported by her mother, adding that they will be going
out fishing on Saturday using the left over dynamite. Paul felt sad. His parents asked him on why
he felt sad, as the news sounds good to them. Paul started to explain about what happened in
school. He informed his parents that instead of using dynamite to fish, they should use fishing net
and fishing line to fish. Likewise for the forests, they should end using slash and burn and should
plant more trees for shelters for the birds and other rare and endangered species. In conclusion,
he informed his parents on the importance of the Fiji Petrels. His parents wasn’t convinced but
later agreed that it is important to protect the Fiji Petrels as it is only Fiji’s endemic seabird specie
meaning found nowhere else in the world but in Gau. Gau islanders should be proud of this very
special bird. The birds brings pride to the community, losing this very special bird, is losing part of
Gau’s heritage. He was also informing his dad that it would be great to invite environmental
organisations e.g. National Trust, to any community meetings held in the village to educate them
on environmental conservation and importance of preserving the Fiji Petrels and its environment.
Monitoring the Puppet Show
Monitoring puppet shows in schools were really appreciated by teachers and students. Schools
find it very interesting and very informative. The campaign coordinator was asked by teachers if
she could host more puppet shows with the students of all schools in Gau as they have more
understanding and can disseminate the information quickly to their families and friends rather
than just an explanation to the students.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
42
Costume
Figure 17: Fiji Petrel costume.
Bird costume to use during school visits was available on time before the schedule for a first
school visit in May 2003. Producing a costume was also part of the programme; this was more
entertaining and lively to the students, as this carries an important message. The person wearing
the bird costume was making action when the educator was explaining on the pertinent facts of
the elusive Fiji Petrel. Questions were asked to the school children and package containing
educational materials were rewarded to those who answered the question.
School Song Production
The Gau campaign coordinator, Milika Ratu and Lovu youth group composed the first school
song. This was sung by the group who was going with the campaign coordinator during school
visits and a copy was given to each school to practice and that the students will sing the same
school song during our second visits. For the islanders of Gau the only traditional knowledge they
have of the Fiji Petrel lies in the few lines of an ancient lullaby sung to their children, this lullaby
song has been recorded together with the first school song.
A gentleman from Nawaikama village on the island of Gau volunteered to compose the second
school song and also to make arrangement for Gau Secondary School students to practice
before the second school visit in October, unfortunately this could not be possible due to
unforeseen circumstance.
Popular Song
The Paramount Chief of Gau Island was advised about producing a song for the project. This was
done verbally and he had agree to it and said it would be great to produce one using the favourite
band. Again the Paramount Chief and the community were approached in a traditional manner by
presenting the ‘sevusevu’ (traditional manner of seeking permission from Chiefs).
The traditional approach was schedule for the second stakeholder meeting but was unsuccessful
since the Paramount Chief wasn’t available at the second meeting. It was planned to approach
him after the first school visits which was on 19th May 2003, but again this wasn’t possible since
he was in Suva attending the Great Council of Chiefs meeting.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
43
It was also approved by the Gau Island Council to have a popular song for the Gau bird project;
this shows a very good support for the project. A popular band group ‘Voqa ni Delai Dokidoki’
(currently Fiji’s favourite) has been recruited to work with regards the song. A story about the bird
and information from Dr Dick Watling was written to help the composer composing the song
A number of follow ups had been done with their manager, but due to the large number of people
that are working with the same recording studio, the group were told to work on the ‘Kacau ni
Gau’ recording on the first week of January 2004.
The copy of the CD has been with the Trust. The song is in Fijian so that the community can
understand the story and the importance of this bird and its contribution to the community. As the
approval had granted the band were advised to record and air the song. The album is a single
release and believed to come later in their fifth album. Cassettes of the popular song were
supplied to the Chiefs of Gau. The campaign coordinator has advised the Chiefs to play the song
for the community so that the people can hear.
The School Visit Programme
Figure 18: Campaign visit to local school children.
The Target Audience
The school visit program was designed for children in Primary and Secondary School from the
age of 7 and 16. Education is the development of mental or physical powers, a process in which
individuals acquire information, skills and values which they process into knowledge and
understanding and which they relate to all aspects of the social and physical world. It will not only
help school children but teachers and parents to understand the importance of nature. The
reasons of why this particular group was chosen were:

To enable the school children to help people realize what needed to be done in protecting
our native species and the whole environment and the attitude the children should take in
promoting and improving the environment. For instance, the conservation message that
was relayed to the children was “Save our ‘Kacau ni Gau’ (local name for Fiji Petrel), The
Pride of our Island.” This age group easily understands the message and therefore
children will relay the message to their parents and to the community of what they have
learned during the day.

To motivate school children to appreciate, enjoy and participate in related activities and
also create new patterns of behaviour of individuals, groups and society as a whole
towards the environment. In other words, this will enable them to participate, and take
action in environmental programmes. For instance the Fiji Petrel, if many of the students
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
44
on the island doesn’t know what the Fiji Petrel is and its habitat, then they would be able
to know and start conveying this message to their parents and the community after
conducting this program and thus will help them in protecting the forests against
destruction, Fiji Petrel and its value to the local people. Action is taken at this stage. Fiji
Petrel brings pride to the community on Gau Island, as it is found nowhere else but on
Gau Island.

That it is important for school children to acquire knowledge, attitudes, values and their
participation and skills needed to protect and improve the environment. In this case,
students, teachers and an educator will know the problems faced by the school regarding
the condition of their environment. In this case an educator will work with the school
teachers in establishing a social or friends club working towards protecting the school
environment, learn more about species, and some other important elements relating to
the subject to help students learn and know more about living in a healthy environment.

The future well being of people and the creation of an environmental literate and sensitive
society.

Lastly, believing that children are the key to future conservation efforts to save our
island’s natural environment, conducting the educational awareness programmes
especially in preserving the natural and cultural heritage, flora and fauna, and biodiversity
loss is important. I believe that there are some school children on Gau Island, Fiji who
have interest in the study of nature, as this process of learning could lead to attitudinal
change for a child showing interest in a particular field of work in later life.
Logistical Preparation:
Fiji’s Education Ministry school timetable is as follows:
Term one:
Term two:
Term three:
Term four:
27th January – 4th April (10 weeks)
14th April –
27th June (11 weeks)
th
14 July –
19th Sept (10 weeks)
th
29 Sept –
5th Dec (10 weeks)
Table 5: School visit schedule.
Date
20 May 2003
Time
9.30am
11.00am
4.00pm
2.00pm
Name of School
Nukuloa Village School
Nawaikama Primary School
Gau Secondary School
Sawaieke District School
22 May 2003
9.00am
12.00noon
2.30pm
Navukailagi Primary School
Vione Primary School
Vanuaso District School
23 May 2003
9.30am
1.00pm
4.00pm
Nacavanadi Primary School
Lamiti Malawai School
Bulu Methodist Training Center
26 May 2003
11.00am
Narocake District School
21 May 2003
There are nine primary schools, single secondary school and a Methodist Training Center around
Gau Island. A letter requesting permission to visit all schools around Gau Island was approved by
the Divisional Education Officer, Eastern Fiji. Letters to head of schools were distributed via mail.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
45
The body of the letter that was sent to schools includes the date, time of arrival and the purpose
of the visit, the consent letter from the Education Ministry was sent as an attachment with the
requisition letter to all schools.
The pre-project questionnaires results revealed that 13 % ‘do not know the greatest threat facing
the Fiji Petrels’ of which 3.4 % were answered by the school children. Therefore, it is one of the
objectives to visit the schools, in order for school children living in communities around Gau
Island to accurately understand the importance of the Sanctuary, their role to help on
conservation and how to disseminate this information to their parents.
Consent and confirmation from heads of schools around Gau Island were well received from the
student counterpart, which reveals that schools welcome the visit, as it is part of the school
curriculum. Values education is being given high priority to inculcate in students stronger feelings
of national consciousness and of the importance of respect for others and of appreciation of Fiji’s
rich multi-cultural heritage and natural environment (Min. of National reconciliation, Information
and Media Relations, 2002).
The school visitation program includes posters, fact sheets and badges distribution, speech
includes the bird being endemic specie, identification, ecology, its habitat, problems faced by the
Fiji Petrel such as predators, range and population and ways of solving the problem and a puppet
show. The puppet show took about half an hour including introductions, the puppet show and
questions at the end. “It was very interesting and educational to us, especially living in a rural
area. It was new to the kids to see and witness the puppet show because the school children in
Gau only watch it on television. They really enjoyed watching the puppet show. ‘Kacau ni Gau
(local name for Fiji Petrel) badges’ encourages them to come to school everyday”.
The Presentation
A presentation includes the pertinent facts of the elusive Fiji Petrel, its importance and the value
to the people, its description, its petrel’s nesting and feeding habitat, its population, problems
facing by the Fiji Petrel, its predators, its ecological effect to the environment, its importance,
similar species and ways in which school children can contribute in reducing problems causing by
humans in the village community.
The message to the students of all Gau schools was to preserve and conserve this bird to
prevent it from going into extinction as it is now in the status of critically endangered, before it is
gone forever. Again they were reminded that as a Gauan islander, they could be proud of the
bird, as this is endemic to Gau and Fiji. Fiji Petrel is one of the most rare and least known species
of birds in the world. Until now, this species has not been seen anywhere else in the world. This
makes the seabird unique and of special importance to Fiji.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
46
Why conservation of the forests as nesting habitat for the Fiji Petrel is
important?
1. Scientific interest of the forest
The rich and varied plant life of the forest has still not been adequately studied nor has its
usefulness to human beings been fully assessed (Knox, 1990). It would be tragic if it
were destroyed before this could be done.
2. The forest as a sanctuary for wildlife
A reason why we should value forest is that it is a sanctuary for wildlife, where most of
the native animals and birds are forest dwellers.
3. The forest as a source of useful commodities
Forests are not just reserves of ancient or rare plants and home for the birds. They
provide many useful commodities. Timber is of course, the most valuable product and is
used for house and boat building, making furniture and other articles. Food comes from
many trees. Lastly firewood is still used in large quantities on Gau Island for cooking.
Timber exports provide Fiji with valuable earnings, by supplying local timber needs,
foreign exchanged is saved. The forest industry also provides considerable rural
employment. Forests provide valuable timber, but their exploitation must be planned.
4. Soil protection
The leaf umbrellas of the trees and the roots that anchor the trees in the soil protect the
most valuable of all natural resources – the soil.
5. Protection of water catchments areas
Fiji’s river and water reservoir catchments areas are in mountainous, forested areas,
which receive heavy rain. The forest covering is very important because it slows down
the run off of water and also prevents a flood and drought situation. The presence of the
forest also ensures that water is filtered slowly through the soil instead of it running off as
dirty floodwater carrying particles of eroded soil.
6. Climate changes
The clearing of forests of the world on a large scale can result in climate changes. One
reason for this is that evaporation is reduced and fewer clouds form over deforested
areas. Forests also affect the composition of the atmosphere because they use up
carbon dioxide – in photosynthesis and give off oxygen.
7. Amenity value
More and more people are turning to wild nature in order to escape from the stresses and
strains of life. Well-organised nature trails and national parks in forest areas provide
recreational areas for local people and tourists.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
47
Conservation Measures
1) Population Control
The control of the human population and its distribution is essential if the human race is
to survive.
2) Control of predators, pests, diseases and weeds
Farm crops, animals and the native species sometimes need protection. Foreign
introductions are often the cause of the trouble, showing how necessary the quarantine
laws are. Biological method of control should be considered first, as chemicals may
cause pollution or poison wildlife.
3) A better energy policy
Energy enters the earth’s ecosystem from the sun and plants use it to produce
carbohydrates by photosynthesis. All other living things obtain their energy ultimately
from plants, through their food.
4) Controls of the exploitation of resources
The proper use of land and marine resources is necessary to prevent soil erosion, soil
exhaustion, destruction of stocks of living things, e.g. fish or native trees, and to minimise
damage to the environment.
5) Control of pollution
Pollution endangers the natural cycles of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and
essential minerals and may poison living things. Fossil fuels, mining and factory wastes,
nuclear explosions and human waste are the main sources of pollution.
6) Recycling of resources
Recycling conserves resources and reduces pollution. For instance, waste paper could
be cycled and this would help to reduce both litter and the number of trees, which have to
be felled for papermaking.
7) Special protection of rare and endangered species
This is important for scientific as well as aesthetic reasons. We should protect our natural
heritage from extinction.
8) Setting up of national parks and reserves
These are valuable for study, recreation, species protection, and tourism and to protect
Fiji’s natural beauty.
9) Re-stocking of plant and animal populations
The restoration work in an environment is sometimes necessary. A river may need to be
restocked, poor land planted with pines, or native trees may be raised from seed and
planted to replace those felled. Species diversity has also to be watched.
10) Education
Originally for the young, education must simply have been about ‘learning for living’, a
process of learning through experience, practice or imitation (Rare Pride CD, 2003).
Without education, of school pupils and of the general public, all other conservation
measures are of little use. It is impossible to enforce much of the conservation legislation,
people must be taught to see the tense of legislation and be willing to comply.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
48
Campaign Slogans
Two materials were put up to cover the puppet theatre. The one that was put above at the puppet
theatre was with the key conservation message written in capital letters. ‘Save our Fiji Petrels,
The Pride of our Island’. The other was put below says, ‘Preserve our Terrestrial and Marine
Ecosystems for a healthy and safe environment’. Posters and fact sheets were given to each
school.
Key Messages
Key messages were developed for the campaign in order to reach specific project objectives. In
every school we visit, we always started off with principals welcomed the team into the school. In
his words, he introduced the lead agency and the purpose of the visit. Students were always
asked to show their welcome and appreciation by clapping their hands.
The student counterpart then introduced herself and the Lovu youth group giving their time and
contribution towards preserving the endemic Fiji Petrel.
A short introduction on the importance of the bird, and the forests is given -before conducting the
puppet show followed by a school song (composed by the Lovu youth group, Gau island).
The student counterpart was focussed on a certain topics relating to wildlife populations, village
communities and ecosystems, including the interaction of humans with wildlife. The campaign
messages were positive. Key messages were kept simple - for instance, “Save our Fiji Petrel,
Fiji’s Pride” This helped to convey the value of the Fiji Petrel to local people.
Key points were repeated - in order for the school children to understand remember. Questions
were asked of school children - and campaign pin badges were given out to those who spoke up.
Plenty of time was given for schoolchildren to ask questions. The campaign coordinator took the
time to get feedback from the students and teachers.
Some of the students were curious and asked questions in public while few feel shy of asking
questions in public.
The teachers and students appreciated activities, which were a puppet show and a school song.
Later visits used a human-sized costume of the Fiji Petrel.
The puppet show aim was to generate positive attitudes towards conservation and can help
children to easily understand the campaign’s key messages. The information included in the
show included:







The conservation status of the Fiji Petrel
The threats it faces
Importance of forests
Importance of establishing a reserve
The role the community can play in promoting conservation - beginning with the
understanding, experience, needs and aspirations of the people themselves
How the children can disseminate environmental information to their parents
Creating opportunities for people to take a measure of control over their environment and
therefore over their lives.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
49
Promoting positive attitudes to the environment is essential if pupils are to value it and
understand their role in safeguarding it for the future. It is hoped too that through educational
awareness raising:





We would be able to produce good citizens for the Gau community, not only for children
but also for teachers and parents.
Increase in knowledge and understanding about natural resources – to lead to a
significant change in attitude and behaviour towards conservation
Children, teachers and parents will appreciate, take care and have concern for the
environment and other living things
Children, teachers and parents will have independence thought on environmental issues
Children, teachers and parents will have a respect for the beliefs and opinions of others.
Environmental education requires active and willing participation. Possibly the single most
important influence on modern environmental education has been people’s interest in the study of
nature. This interest must be very ancient, probably starting amongst the earliest human
societies.
A significant amount of subject matter relating to biodiversity and conservation can be
incorporated into school curricula, and formal education has been found to have a significant
influence on environmental attitudes. But much of the content of biology courses has little to do
with biodiversity, and even the study of ecology faces considerable barriers in the formal sector.
There are the problems of an absence of readily accessible habitats, often a lack of designated
time-tabling for locally based fieldwork, large class sizes, and a lack of sufficient resources,
including equipment and materials.
Environmental education for the Gau community will help develop people’s awareness,
competence, attitudes and values, enabling them to be effectively involved in sustainable
development at local, national and international level, and helping them to work towards a
sustainable future. One aim is to enable the community to integrate environmental and economic
decision-making. This awareness programme will increase people’s awareness of the economic,
political, social, cultural, technological and environmental forces, which foster sustainable
development.
The aim is to help children, teachers, parents, decision-makers, etc. to develop their knowledge
and understanding of how human lives and livelihoods are dependent on the environment. It will
also give them the knowledge and understanding on the importance of effective action to protect
and manage the environment, the natural processes which take place in the environment and the
impact of human activities on the environment.
Educational awareness materials were distributed to schools such as comic book, Gau wildlife
booklet, legislation booklet, bumper stickers, posters, badges, fact-sheets, sermon-sheets and
environmental news-sheet. These activities will not only help students, but teachers and
communities to understand the natural world and to live in peace with it as it involves not only the
target specie, but all other species, its habitat and the whole environment.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
50
Community Outreach Review
Introduction
The community visitation program was conducted for all villages and settlements on Gau Island.
The Community visitation program was part of the twenty activities implemented by the Trust as
detailed in the Gau 2003 Pride Campaign Project Plan.
The Roko Tui Lomaiviti, Ratu Filimoni Baleimua and Assistant Roko, Gau, Mr Kusitino Roko were
advised in advance of the community visit so that the program would not coincide with any other
activities the community might have. Radio announcements were also made to inform the
community of the visit. National Trust staff, Ms Milika Ratu and Mr Amania Taukei conducted the
community meetings accompanied by Mr Vuki Koto of Lovu village.
Aim
The activity aims to raise awareness, increase responsibility and action among the people of Gau
towards the conservation of their island’s terrestrial resources. The meeting will also provide an
opportunity to discuss with the 16 village chiefs the importance of their participation in the project;
the presence of each village chief ensures the support of the community especially concerning
any sighting of the Fiji Petrel or any other endemic species. The community meetings and
discussions can lead to some attitude and behavioural changes with regard to the conservation of
Gau’s natural resources.
The village of Nawaikama, Nukuloa, Lovu, Lamiti and Nacavanadi have listed down the details of
Kacau ni Gau sighting in the village by the attraction of the light. Nawaikama has no record but
Nukuloa, Lovu and Nacavanadi records are as follows:
Lamiti
Date: December 2002
Time: 7.30pm-8pm
Location: Lamiti Malawai School.
Nukuloa
Date: 29 Dec 2002
Time: No time recorded
Location: Nukuloa
Both birds died and the community has now been advised to take record and try to make a
seasonal calendar of the bird’s sightings in the village. The details to include the date, month,
time, year, high or low tide, current movement etc, and this should be reported to the village
headman. The community has also been asked to take pictures of the bird if they have the
camera and to contact the National Trust office immediately.
The community mentioned that the ‘Kacau ni Gau’s feeding time at night is during low tide. The
birds are back on land before sunrise. The Kacau ni Gau’s egg is white in colour and is of the
same size as the barking pigeon’s egg which is a bit smaller than the chicken’s egg. Most of the
time the birds stay far out at sea, visiting land only at dusk to lay their eggs in holes in the ground.
Their nesting sites are carefully chosen, small inaccessible islets or more often inland in thick
bush, or on steep slopes or rocky cliffs.
A tale from the village elders go that in the olden days, a woman who was married to the ‘Na Rai’
from “Nayavutoka” in Sawaieke craved to have ‘Kacau ni Gau’ lungs during her pregnancy. Her
husband, Ratu Sakiusa then went to the ‘Tui Cuku’ clan of Nawaikama and asked a member of
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
51
the clan to go with him to the forest not far away from the village to look for one, and they would
surely come back with the bird’s lungs.
The community also mentioned that once a dog came into the village in Lele settlement with the
‘Kacau ni Gau’ which shows that the bird’s habitat is not only in the highland of Gau but their
burrows could be somewhere close to the village. Due to the fact that the ‘Kacau ni Gau’ builds its
nests underground, the presence of livestock and other hoofed animals within the known habitat
of the bird poses a threat to the species. Farming and burning could result in the birds moving
further higher in the forests.
Many have suggested that the decrease in ‘Kacau ni Gau’ population according to the research
done could be possible comparing that to marine ecosystems. A few believe that ‘Kacau ni Gau’
cannot be taken elsewhere for breeding and that it can only breed on the island of Gau. They also
believe that the population is higher than expected and that they are rarely seen because they
are protecting themselves. Some of the villagers even said that they could hear the cry of the bird
whilst out at sea and that it sounds just like a toddler crying. It’s also been said that the bird cries
only twice during the day, when it leaves to search for food and when it gets back to its burrow.
The bird will always make sure that it does close its burrow before leaving for the sea. Many
others believed that the light from villages nearest to the forests attracts the birds making them
land in the area, for instance, the village of Nawaikama and Nukuloa. The village of Nawaikama
are willing to designate their piece of land for the protection of the birds.
The ‘Kacau ni Gau’ badges have been distributed to the forty-five members of the female Gau
choir who participated in the Annual Methodist Conference held in Suva, Fiji from the 18 th – 23rd
August 2003. A song will be produced about the bird and this will be sung by the Lomaiviti choir.
The school song has already been composed and that the village headman will organise with the
Principal and the management of the school for an agreed time for the students’ choir practice.
Aside from all these current composition the community already has an old lullaby song of the
bird.
The twenty activities that the Trust is working on have been fully supported by the Chiefs and
Gau community. Chiefs and community members have pledged their support in the running of the
project and have asked for the continuous running of the project.
Milika has visited Gau for 7-10 days out of each month since February 2003. Additional 2-week
school visit made in May, plus a 3-week community visit made in July, August and November.
Sixteen villages were visited and one settlement (19 households). All 16 villages visited and one
small settlement. Total population of villages and settlement = 3,241 (the rest are local migrants).
Milika estimates that she spoke to 75% of the village population, which is 2,431 people. Total Gau
Island Population is 4,300 (Sept 2003). Total Gau Island Population as of September 2003
(personal interview with staff nurse in charge in Qarani health center) is 4,300 (Table 6).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
52
Table 6: Village population of Gau as of October 2003:
1. Lamiti:
2. Lekanai:
3. Levuka:
4. Lovu:
5. Malawai:
6. Nacavanadi
7. Naovuka (settlement):
8. Navukailagi:
9. Nawaikama:
10. Nukuloa:
11. Qarani:
12. Sawaieke:
13. Somosomo:
14. Vadravadra:
15. Vanuaso
16. Vione:
17. Yadua:
TOTAL
286
94
158
165
235
212
71
159
382
134
173
328
157
212
201
138
136
3,241
The campaign coordinator, Ms Milika Ratu spoke to about 75% of the population from each
village. The program targeted two villages per day, with visits occurring only in the afternoon, the
first is from 5pm-7.30pm and the second was from 8pm-10.30pm. Sometimes visits went on until
12am with many questions and discussions into the night.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
53
Volunteer Help for the Pride Campaign
Groups that were involved in the running of this project were youths from Lovu, Nukuloa,
Nawaikama, Somosomo, Sawaieke, Navukailagi, Malawai, Lamiti, Naovuka, Yadua and
Vadravadra youths. School children were also part of the groups. These groups involved in
building a puppet theater, puppet shows and singing the school song to places where there will
be a community meeting, this normally done after the meeting. Furthermore, this also assists in
disseminate the information to the parents when attending the meeting.
The Media
Quite a number of press releases were released to the media; they are as follows:
National Trust Newsletter Volume 18, Issue 1, April 2003.
National Trust Newsletter Volume 18, Issue 2, August 2003.
Monday 8th September 2003 - The Fiji Times titled “Rare Bird Near Extinction.”
Monday 8th September 2003 – The Fiji Times titled ‘Save the Fiji Petrel.”
Islands Magazine (pg 26)
Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited agreed to interview Gau campaign coordinator, Milika Ratu
on air on 14th August from 7.00pm to 8.00pm. A description of the project was spoken out to the
public and lines (phones) were open to the public to call and campaign coordinator was
responding accordingly.
Rallying Local Businesses
The Fiji Petrel is the emblem of the national carrier, Fiji Air and the bird’s image graces the Fifty
dollar note. A new favourite local band group is also coming up in which they named their group
as ‘Domo ni Kacau’ which simply translates ‘Voice of the Kacau’. They will be releasing their
album shortly.
A letter was also sent out to local companies and businesses for the funding of the Gau
Secondary School Magazine titled ‘KACAU – SPECIAL, RARE, UNIQUE’. This was possible with
the kind donations from BP Oil Company, Air Fiji Limited and Tappoos Limited with the total
cheque of $2, 000.
Provincial Meeting
The campaign coordinator, Ms Milika Ratu did make a presentation to the Lomaiviti Provincial
Meeting whereas Chiefs of all villages in Gau and other islands include in the Lomaiviti group
attended. It’s normally held twice in a year, the beginning and towards the end of the year.
National Trust submitted its report to the participants and other government institutions. The Rare
Pride Kent Course Manager, Ms Rosemary Godfrey also took part.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
54
Signs of Success: The Results
Overview
I must say that working with the Fijian community is not always an easy task whereby you go into
the village straightaway and conduct surveys, education awareness campaign, etc. There are
protocols that you will need to follow to begin with such things.
It was fortunate that the National Trust of Fiji Islands was given the authority without any
hesitation from the Paramount Chief, Ratu Marika Lewanavanua to run the education awareness
campaign in Gau. He seems very generous, kind and his support towards the establishment of
the Gau Bird Project was a superb. All other government officials on Gau Island, Members of the
Gau Island Council, Schools and Villages showed their support during the campaign.
It was extremely fortunate that, in the past year, the National Trust has been running the
education awareness campaign on the Fiji Petrel. Despite little being known about the bird, the
Fijian people have now had a great deal of pride in what is, for them, a very special part of their
natural heritage.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
55
Questionnaire Survey Results (Pre- and Post–campaign)
Data Collection Process
Data collection to validate the Initial Conceptual Model and to help identify SMART1 objectives for
the campaign was conducted using structured interview technique. The purpose of the
questionnaire survey was to check that the conceptual model created in the first stakeholder
meeting was correct and to find out what local people know of Gau’s upland forests ecosystems
and to test their knowledge, attitude and behavior.
A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions solicited information on the respondent’s personal
data (age, main occupation), opinion and knowledge about Gau forests ecosystems (direct
threats, intensity and ecological knowledge), media preference (type of music, favourite radio
station and program, newspaper preference), and the flagship species for campaign and possible
slogan. 215 questionnaires were distributed to 16 villages and 1 settlement. This covers the three
districts (Sawaieke, Vanuaso and Navukailagi district) on Gau Island. Five percent of the
population of Gau was interviewed to ensure that the results were representative of views, and
the results statistically viable.
Training for the two enumerators was done in Sawaieke village. The conducting of questionnaires
survey was carried in the communities out for six days. Money was given to enumerators for their
food when working out side the center. All of the questionnaire forms were returned for analysis
[using Survey Pro software], which was given to me at the University of Kent at Canterbury.
Control group questionnaire surveys were also conducted in which 50 questionnaires were
distributed in Momi, Nadi. Mr. Arvind Singh, a National Trust staff conducted the interview with
the help of two other community members. The purpose of conducting control surveys is:

1
To show that any positive result in changes in knowledge, attitude and self-reported
behavior – in the Project Site – are a result of the Pride Campaign. The target site is Gau,
and not Nadi (where the control group data was collected). In the control group we expect
the same results when conducting pre and post control questionnaires survey, as we do
not run any education campaign in Nadi area.
Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, Time bound (SMART).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
56
Q8: Do you think that the Government should be doing more or less to protect Gau's natural areas?
PRECAMPAIGN
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
%s
Counts %s
More
215 100.0%
Counts %s
More
16
32.0%
Less
0
0.0%
Less
1
2.0%
No change
0
0.0%
No change
5
10.0%
Don't know
0
0.0%
Don't know
28
56.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Totals
215 100.0%
Counts %s
POST-CAMPAIGN
%s
%s
%s
Counts %s
More
215 100.0%
Less
0
0.0%
No change
0
0.0%
Don't know
0
0.0%
Totals
More
3
6.0%
Less
1
2.0%
No change
1
2.0%
Don't know
45
90.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
215 100.0%
The questionnaire survey data suggests that even before the Pride campaign – most respondents felt that the government should be doing more to protect Gau’s
natural areas. As 100% of the respondents answered positively – this attitude was not targeted for change during the campaign.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
57
Q9: Do you believe that the people working to protect Gau's natural resources are doing important work?
PRE-CAMPAIGN
TARGET GROUP
Counts %s
Yes very important
198
92.1%
Yes somewhat important
5
2.3%
No not very important
7
Not sure
Not at all
Totals
POST-CAMPAIGN
CONTROL GROUP
%s
0
100
Yes very important
14
28.0%
Yes somewhat important
0
0.0%
3.3%
No not very important
1
2.0%
5
2.3%
Not sure
31
62.0%
0
0.0%
Not at all
4
8.0%
215 100.0%
Counts %s
Totals
%s
0
50 100.0%
Counts %s
100
Yes very important
2
4.0%
0.0%
Yes somewhat important
2
4.0%
0
0.0%
No not very important
2
4.0%
Not sure
2
0.9%
Not sure
44
88.0%
Not at all
0
0.0%
Not at all
0
0.0%
Yes very important
213
99.1%
Yes somewhat important
0
No not very important
Totals
215 100.0%
%s
Counts %s
Totals
%s
0
100
50 100.0%
The questionnaire survey data suggests that even before the Pride campaign – most respondents felt that people who work to protect Gau’s natural environment are
doing “A very important job”. As 92 % of the respondents answered positively – this attitude was not targeted for change during the campaign. Nevertheless – there
was an increase of 7% here – up to 99% post-campaign.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
58
Q10: Do you believe that the people working to protect Gau's natural resources respect your community’s concern?
PRE-CAMPAIGN
TARGET GROUP
Counts %s
%s
0
Counts %s
100
Yes very much
166
77.2%
Yes very much
10
20.0%
Yes somewhat
43
20.0%
Yes somewhat
6
12.0%
Not too much
4
1.9%
Not too much
3
6.0%
Not at all
0
0.0%
Not at all
4
8.0%
Not sure
2
0.9%
Not sure
27
54.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Totals
215 100.0%
Counts %s
POST-CAMPAIGN
CONTROL GROUP
%s
0
Counts %s
100
Yes very much
207
96.3%
Yes very much
1
2.0%
Yes somewhat
7
3.3%
Yes somewhat
3
6.0%
Not too much
0
0.0%
Not too much
1
2.0%
Not at all
0
0.0%
Not at all
0
0.0%
Not sure
1
0.5%
Not sure
45
90.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Totals
215 100.0%
%s
0
100
%s
0
100
By the end of the campaign, there was a 19% increase in respondents who, when asked if they thought that “people working to protect Gau’s natural environment,
respect the community’s concerns” said “Very Much” (from 77 % up to 96%).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
59
Q16: If you were told to choose a bird, to be the totem of the whole island, which bird would you prefer?
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
Counts %s
Fiji [Gau] Petrel (Kacau
ni Gau)
100
Counts %s
Gau Parrot (Kaka ni Gau)
28
56.0%
Don't know
13
26.0%
Fiji [Gau] Petrel (Kacau ni
Gau)
4
8.0%
0.9%
Feral Pigeon
2
4.0%
1
0.5%
Heron
1
2.0%
Whistling Dove
0
0.0%
None
1
2.0%
None
0
0.0%
No answer
1
2.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Whistling Dove
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
196
91.2%
11
5.1%
Feral Pigeon
5
2.3%
Don't know
2
Heron
Gau Parrot (Kaka ni Gau)
PRE-CAMPAIGN
0
Totals
215 100.0%
Totals
Counts %s
POST-CAMPAIGN
Fiji (Gau) Petrel (Kacau
ni Gau)
215 100.0%
0
100
42
84.0%
Feral Pigeon
2
4.0%
Gau Parrot (Kaka ni Gau)
2
4.0%
Whistling Dove
2
4.0%
None
2
4.0%
Feral Pigeon
0
0.0%
Gau parrot (Kaka ni Gau)
0
0.0%
Heron
0
0.0%
Whistling Dove
0
0.0%
Don't know
0
0.0%
Fiji [Gau] Petrel (Kacau ni
Gau)
0
0.0%
None
0
0.0%
Heron
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
215 100.0%
Totals
Totals
100
0
100
50 100.0%
Counts %s
Don't know
0
50 100.0%
In the post campaign survey, 100% of the respondents named the Fiji Petrel as their preferred totem bird – an increase of 9%.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
60
Q17: Have you ever seen a Fiji Petrel ?
TARGET GROUP
PRECAMPAIGN
Counts %s
%s
0
Counts %s
100
Yes
72
33.5%
Yes
1
2.0%
No
137
63.7%
No
16
32.0%
6
2.8%
Not sure
33
66.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Not sure
Totals
215 100.0%
Counts %s
POST-CAMPAIGN
CONTROL GROUP
%s
0
Counts %s
100
Yes
89
41.4%
Yes
No
125
58.1%
1
0.5%
Not sure
Totals
215 100.0%
0
0.0%
Not sure
19
38.0%
No
31
62.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
%s
0
100
%s
0
100
In the pre-campaign survey 34% of target group respondents report having seen the bird (similar to control group: 33%). In the post-project questionnaire survey
41% of the respondents reported seeing the bird (an increase of 7%). It is likely that this increase is due to an increased awareness about the bird’s appearance as
a result of the Pride campaign. The control group shows no change, as would be expected in a group where the campaign did not take place.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
61
Q19: In which island in Fiji can the Fiji Petrel be found?
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
Gau island only
%s
0
Counts %s
100
187
87.0%
Gau island only
27
12.6%
Taveuni island only
1
Suva only
Other
Don't know
Totals
7
14.0%
Don't know
39
78.0%
0.5%
No answer
4
8.0%
0
0.0%
Taveuni island only
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Suva only
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
215 100.0%
Totals
POST-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
Gau island only
215 100.0%
%s
0
Gau Island only
13
26.0%
37
74.0%
Don't know
0
0.0%
Don't know
Taveuni island only
0
0.0%
Taveuni Island only
0
0.0%
Suva only
0
0.0%
Suva only
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
215 100.0%
Totals
Totals
0
100
50 100.0%
Counts %s
100
%s
%s
0
100
50 100.0%
By the end of the campaign – 100% of respondents correctly stated that Gau Island was the only place where the Fiji Petrel can be found – and increase of 13 %.
This can be attributed the Pride Campaign; when looking at the control group – where there was no campaign - there was no change in knowledge here.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
62
Q20: Where do Fiji Petrels nest? [Check one or more]
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
High forested ridges
%s
186 86.5%
%s
High forested ridges
2
4.0%
0.0%
Far out at sea
3
1.4%
Far out at sea
0
Rocky mountain
1
0.5%
Rocky mountain
5 10.0%
Mangroves
0
0.0%
Mangroves
2
4.0%
Seashore
0
0.0%
Seashore
3
6.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Don't know
Totals
28 13.0%
215
n/a
Counts %s
High forested ridges
POST-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
Don't know
38 76.0%
Totals
50
%s
214 99.5%
n/a
Counts %s
%s
High forested ridges
0
0.0%
Far out at sea
3
1.4%
Far out at sea
0
0.0%
Rocky mountain
0
0.0%
Rocky mountain
0
0.0%
Mangroves
0
0.0%
Mangroves
0
0.0%
Seashore
0
0.0%
Seashore
4
8.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Don't know
0
0.0%
Don't know
46 92.0%
215
n/a
Totals
50
Totals
n/a
There was a 13% increase in the number of respondents who gave the correct answer for the nesting site of the Fiji Petrel – as “High Forested Ridges” – from 86.5
% up to 99.5%. In the control group – there was no significant change in knowledge, as would be expected.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
63
Q21: Where do Fiji Petrels feed? [Check one or more]
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
Far out at sea
%s
177 82.3%
%s
Far out at sea
0
0.0%
0.0%
Farm
1
0.5%
Farm
0
Seashore
4
1.9%
Seashore
8 16.0%
Rocky mountain
3
1.4%
Rocky mountain
3
6.0%
Mangroves
2
0.9%
Mangroves
3
6.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Don't know
Totals
28 13.0%
215
n/a
Counts %s
Far out at sea
POST-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
Don't know
36 72.0%
Totals
50
%s
213 99.1%
n/a
Counts %s
%s
Far out at sea
0
0.0%
Farm
0
0.0%
Farm
0
0.0%
Seashore
3
1.4%
Seashore
4
8.0%
Rocky mountain
1
0.5%
Rocky mountain
0
0.0%
Mangroves
1
0.5%
Mangroves
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Don't know
0
0.0%
Don't know
46 92.0%
215
n/a
Totals
50
Totals
n/a
There was a significant increase in knowledge on the feeding habits of the Fiji Petrel. After the campaign – there was a 12% increase in respondents who correctly
named the area where Fiji Petrels feed – as being “Far out at Sea”. In the control group – there was no significant change.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
64
Q22: Did you know that the Fiji [Gau] Petrel is threatened by humans and may disappear ?
TARGET GROUP
POST-CAMPAIGN
PRECAMPAIGN
Counts %s
CONTROL GROUP
%s
0
Counts %s
100
Yes
162
75.3%
Yes
1
2.0%
No
20
9.3%
No
14
28.0%
Not sure
33
15.3%
Not sure
35
70.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Totals
215 100.0%
Counts %s
%s
0
Counts %s
100
Yes
202
94.0%
Yes
3
6.0%
No
11
5.1%
No
4
8.0%
2
0.9%
Not sure
43
86.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Not sure
Totals
215 100.0%
%s
0
100
%s
0
100
Running a conservation education campaign has lead to a significant change towards people’s knowledge here. There was a 19% increase in percentage of
respondents who correctly stated, “the Fiji Petrel is threatened by humans, and may disappear” (from 75.3% up to 94%).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
65
Q23: What do you think is the GREATEST threat faced by the Fiji Petrels nesting site on Gau Island?
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Counts
%s
Counts
%s
Introduced species
42
19.5%
Introduced species
1
2.0%
Fire
39
18.1%
Fire
0
0.0%
Farming
4
1.9%
Farming
4
8.0%
Hunting
5
2.3%
Hunting
9 18.0%
Logging
97
45.1%
Logging
1
2.0%
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
28
13.0%
215
100.0%
Other
Don't know
Totals
Counts
POST-CAMPAIGN
%s
%s
Don't know
35 70.0%
Totals
50
%s
Counts
100%
%s
Introduced species
84
39.1%
Introduced species
2
4.0%
Fire
74
34.4%
Fire
0
0.0%
Farming
3
1.4%
Farming
0
0.0%
Hunting
2
0.9%
Hunting
1
2.0%
Logging
44
20.5%
Logging
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Don't know
8
3.7%
Don't know
47 94.0%
215
100.0%
Totals
50
Totals
%s
%s
100.0
In fact, the top threats include the following: Introduced species (e.g. cats and rats), Farming, and its associated Fire. There was a 20 % increase in knowledge on
“introduced species” being a top threat (from 19.1% up to 39 %). Also – there was a 16% increase in those who named “Fire” – from 18 % up to 34.4%.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
66
Q25: What is the fine for hunting Fiji Petrels? [Check one only]
TARGET GROUP
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
%s
Counts %s
Under $50
0
0.0%
Under $50
0
0.0%
$50-$199
0
0.0%
$50-$199
1
2.0%
$200-$300
1
0.5%
$200-$300
0
0.0%
$301-$500
1
0.5%
$301-$500
0
0.0%
Over $500
21
9.8%
Over $500
0
0.0%
No charge
74
34.4%
No charge
0
0.0%
Don't know
118
54.9%
Don't know
49
98.0%
Totals
215 100.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Counts %s
POST-CAMPAIGN
CONTROL GROUP
%s
Counts %s
Under $50
6
2.8%
Under $50
0
0.0%
$50-$199
40
18.6%
$50-$199
1
2.0%
$200-$300
11
5.1%
$200-$300
2
4.0%
$301-$500
12
5.6%
$301-$500
1
2.0%
Over $500
18
8.4%
Over $500
0
0.0%
No charge
32
14.9%
No charge
0
0.0%
Don't know
96
44.7%
Don't know
46
92.0%
Totals
50 100.0%
Totals
215 100.0%
%s
%s
Native birds like the Fiji Petrel are protected under the law and people can be charged if they are caught hunting it. The correct fine is $50-$199 (Laws of Fiji,
Chapter 170 – Bird and Game Protection; Part II – Protected birds). The Pride campaign helped to increase awareness about this – as those who correctly named
the fine increased from 0 % to 18.6 %. Another positive sign – was that the percentage of those who thought that there was no charge at all – decreased by 20%
from 35 % down to 15 %.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
67
Q26: What will you do if you see a Fiji Petrel? [Check one or more]
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
Release it
%s
124 57.7%
%s
Release it
5 10.0%
Report it to village headman
66 30.7%
Report it to village headman
4
Photograph it
63 29.3%
Photograph it
5 10.0%
Nothing
9
4.2%
Nothing
8.0%
28 56.0%
Keep it as a pet
68 31.6%
Keep it as a pet
6 12.0%
Sell it
12
5.6%
Sell it
2
4.0%
Kill it
2
0.9%
Kill it
0
0.0%
215
n/a
50
n/a
Totals
Counts %s
POST-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
Release it
Totals
%s
171 79.5%
Counts %s
Release it
0
%s
0.0%
Report it to village headman
49 22.8%
Report it to village headman
36 72.0%
Photograph it
11
5.1%
Photograph it
33 66.0%
0
0.0%
Nothing
0
0.0%
Keep it as a pet
2
4.0%
Nothing
Keep it as a pet
37 17.2%
Sell it
0
0.0%
Sell it
0
0.0%
Kill it
0
0.0%
Kill it
0
0.0%
215
n/a
50
n/a
Totals
Totals
This is an extremely encouraging result, as it shows that the Pride campaign has significantly changed people’s attitude – so that now only 17 % (down from 31.6%)
say they will “keep it as a pet” – a decrease of 14 %. It is common for Fijians to catch wild animals – including the Fiji Petrel – for this purpose. Fiji Petrels die within
a few days of captivity. Another positive result demonstrated by this question, is that 80% of people now say they will “Release the Bird” – up by 24% (from 56%).
Furthermore – those who said they would “sell it” has reduced from 5.6 % down to zero %.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
68
Q27: Which of the following statements BEST describes how you feel about the Fiji Petrel?
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
I am proud of it
%s
168
78.1%
I have never really
thought about it
18
Don't know
I am proud of it
2
4.0%
8.4%
I have never really
thought about it
6
12.0%
16
7.4%
Don't know
34
68.0%
I have never heard of it
before today
8
3.7%
I have never heard of it
before today
8
16.0%
Its a scary bird
5
2.3%
Its a scary bird
0
0.0%
215
100.0%
Totals
Counts %s
I am proud of it
POST-CAMPAIGN
Counts %s
194
90.2%
11
Don't know
Totals
%s
50 100.0%
Counts %s
I am proud of it
1
2.0%
5.1%
I have never really
thought about it
0
0.0%
7
3.3%
Don't know
13
26.0%
I have never heard of it
before today
2
0.9%
I have never heard of it
before today
34
68.0%
Its a scary bird
1
0.5%
Its a scary bird
2
4.0%
I have never really thought
about it
Totals
215 100.0%
Totals
%s
%s
50 100.0%
The question shows that the campaign has led to a more positive attitude towards the Fiji Petrel – with a 12% increase in those who say that they are “Proud of it”.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
69
Q29: In the past year which of the following have you done? [Check one or more]
TARGET GROUP
CONTROL GROUP
Count
%s
s
PRE-CAMPAIGN
Cleaned up litter
133 61.9%
Don't know
%s
40
80.0%
Talked to a family member about conservation
60 27.9%
Cleaned up litter
5
10.0%
Joined an environment club
45 20.9%
Joined an environmental club
3
6.0%
Donated time/money to conservation cause
44 20.5%
2
4.0%
None of the above
18
8.4%
Talked to a family member about
conservation
Don't know
13
6.0%
None of the above
2
4.0%
Signed a petition supporting the environment
5
2.3%
Donated time/money to conservation cause
1
2.0%
All of the above
1
0.5%
All of the above
1
2.0%
Other
0
0.0%
Signed a petition supporting the
environment
0
0.0%
Totals
215
n/a
Other
0
0.0%
Totals
50
n/a
Counts %s
POST-CAMPAIGN
Count
%s
s
%s
%s
Counts
%s
%s
Talked to a family member about conservation
87
40.5%
Cleaned up litter
32
64.0%
Joined an environment club
72
33.5%
Don't know
10
20.0%
Donated time/money to conservation cause
68
31.6%
None of the above
6
12.0%
Cleaned up litter
55
25.6%
Joined an environment club
2
4.0%
Signed a petition supporting the environment
18
8.4%
Donated time/money to a conservation cause
0
0.0%
All of the above
13
6.0%
Signed a petition supporting the environment
0
0.0%
Don't know
10
4.7%
0
0.0%
None of the above
5
2.3%
Talked to a family member about
conservation
Other
0
0.0%
All of the above
0
0.0%
Totals
215
n/a
Other
0
0.0%
Totals
50
n/a
The post project survey showed a significant increase (13%) in self-reported “talking to a family member about conservation” from 28% to 41% and a 11% increase
in members donating time and money to conservation - from 21% to 32%.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
70
Project Objective Results
There are six objectives that were targeted to be achieved after the one-year education project
and they were as follows, with the explanation underneath each objective:
Objective 1: By the end of the project, the Chiefs of all 16 villages will
have each signed a letter supporting the creation of a bird sanctuary
in the upland forests of Gau Island.
Objective Status as of 30th March 2004: Objective reached.
All of the 16 community leaders have signed the letter of endorsement and support to designate a
land for protection of the Fiji Petrels’ habitat.
Authorisation to conduct surveys was given by the Chiefs of Gau and the Provincial
Administrative Office.
In order to know exactly where the protected area should be set up – it is necessary to know the
exact location of the nesting site of the Fiji Petrel. During the Pride Project – the campaign coordinator - Milika Ratu - took part Research work headed by Dr Dick Watling of Environmental
Consultants. The research team included staff from The Wildlife Conservation Society, Fiji,
National Trust of Fiji and New South Wales National Parks. The objective was to identify the
nesting/breeding site of the Fiji Petrel.
A reconnaissance field survey was taken place in June 2003. Subsequent research could
highlight areas of habitat, which are important for nesting Fiji Petrels. Such areas could be
designated as sensitive and protected areas (e.g. Bird Sanctuary). After one survey expedition,
Fiji Petrels burrows could not be identified. More research is needed and could be possible if
funds are available. Environmental Consultants, Wildlife Conservation Society and New South
Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service funded the survey.
Objective 2: By the end of the project, community members who
know that the nesting site of the Fiji Petrels is high-forested ridges will
have increased from 86% pre-project to 95%.
Objective Status as of 30th March 2004: Objective exceeded.
After eleven months of running this project, a post project questionnaire survey was conducted
and as a result 99% up from 86% (an increase of 13%) of the respondents now know that highforested ridges are Fiji Petrel’s nesting habitat.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
71
Objective 3: By the end of the project, community members who
know that the Fiji Petrel is threatened by humans and may disappear
will have increased from 75 % to 95 %.
Objective Status as of 30th March 2004: Objective nearly reached.
Although it was targeted to achieve 95% at the end of the project, post project survey revealed
that 94% up from 75% (an increase of 19%) of the respondents now know that Fiji Petrels
threatened by humans can and may disappear.
Objective 4: By the end of the project, community members who say that if
they see a Fiji Petrel they will keep it as a pet will decrease from 32 % preproject to 5 %.
Objective Status as of 30th March 2004: Objective partially reached.
After conducting post project survey, it was revealed that there has been a decrease from 31% to 17% (a
decrease of 14%) of those who say that if they see a Fiji Petrel – they will keep it as a pet. Therefore, a
continuation of this project can bring down the number to 5% as targeted.
Objective 5: By the end of the project, community members who say that if
they see a Fiji Petrel they will Release it (help it fly off) from – 58 % up to
90%.
Objective Status as of 30th March 2004: Objective nearly reached.
After conducting post project questionnaires survey it was revealed that there has been an increase in
those who say that they will help the bird fly off from 58 % to 80 % (an increase of 22 %).
Objective 6: By the end of the project, those who say that in the past year
they have talked to a family member about conservation will have
increased from 28% up to 60%.
Objective Status as of 30th March 2004: Objective partially reached.
Post project survey results revealed that 40% have now talked to family member about conservation up
from 28% (an increase of 12%). Although it was targeted to reach 60%, it is believed that with the
continuation of the project, this objective could be reached.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
72
Additional Achievements
Additional results measured by the questionnaire survey (though not shown in above objectives)
are as follows:

Native birds like the Fiji Petrel are protected under the law and people can be
charged if they are caught hunting it. The correct fine is $50-$199 (Laws of Fiji,
Chapter 170 – Bird and Game Protection; Part II – Protected birds). The Pride
campaign helped to increase awareness about this – as those who correctly
named the fine increased from 0 % to 18.6 %. Another positive sign – was that
the percentage of those who thought that there was no charge at all – decreased
by 20% from 35 % down to 15 %.

In fact, the top threats include the following: Introduced species (e.g. cats and
rats), Farming, and its associated Fire. There was a 20 % increase in knowledge
on “introduced species” being a top threat (from 19.1% up to 39 %). Also – there
was a 16% increase in those who named “Fire” – from 18 % up to 34.4%.

By the end of the campaign, there was a 19% increase in respondents who,
when asked if they thought that “people working to protect Gau’s natural
environment, respect the community’s concerns” said “Very Much” (from 77 % up
to 96%).

The question shows that the campaign has led to a more positive attitude
towards the Fiji Petrel – with a 12% increase in those who say that they are
“Proud of it”.

In the pre-campaign survey 34% of target group respondents report having seen
the bird (similar to control group: 33%). In the post-project questionnaire survey
41% of the respondents reported seeing the bird (an increase of 7%). It is likely
that this increase is due to an increased awareness about the bird’s appearance
as a result of the Pride campaign. The control group shows no change, as would
be expected in a group where the campaign did not take place.

By the end of the campaign – 100% of respondents correctly stated that Gau
Island was the only place where the Fiji Petrel can be found – and increase of 13
%. This can be attributed the Pride Campaign; when looking at the control group
– where there was no campaign - there was no change in knowledge here.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
73
Community Conflicts and Challenges
Although the campaign was successful during the past year, there is still a lot to be done. In the
beginning of the year, a first and second stakeholder meeting was held and many of those who
were invited attended, although the stakeholder participants from Suva couldn’t make it due to
the lack of transport on the island. The participants were advised that the National Trust of Fiji
Islands were pleased with the effort that they have committed during the beginning of the project.
The key conservation message was to ‘Save the Fiji Petrel, The Pride of our Island’.
The “Fiji Petrel” which is commonly known as the ‘Kacau ni Gau’ has become a bird of national
pride and is of great significance and value traditionally. In the traditional and cultural context, the
Fijian people place much value and significance on the animals, birds and fish that traditionally
belongs to their clan. The “Fiji Petrel” is no exception. During field tours conducted in Gau this
year (2003) a few villages have confirmed that the “Fiji Petrel” is their traditional bird.
However, there were still some disagreements when the campaign coordinator visited the island
in August. The difficulty arises during the presentation of the “sevusevu” for the conduction of the
research as both the village of Nawaikama and Nukuloa lay claim to the bird. The campaign
coordinator through the Fiji Native Lands Commission then did a research and as a result, the
totem bird is written under the Sawaieke and Malawai village. However, Chiefs of Nawaikama
and Nukuloa have suggested that consultation to do a research on the bird in the future must
include those from Sawaieke, Nawaikama, Nukuloa, Malawai and Navukailagi.
A requisition was made to the Director, and she unanimously agree to the idea of having a
meeting whereby the Chiefs, three District Representatives, Advisory Committee and a member
of Fijian Affairs representative could attend to discuss the issue. This was solved as Chiefs have
shown great support and without the assistance from the Provincial Office, the project won’t be
successful. National Trust staff member, Ms Milika Ratu was also invited to attend the Lomaiviti
Provincial Meeting from the 23rd to 25th of October 2003 with Ms Rosemary Godfrey and updated
the stakeholder participants on the update of the project. Questions were raised and were
answered accordingly by the Gau campaign coordinator.
An appreciation letter was written to all those who have contributed on behalf of the National
Trust of Fiji Islands Council, Director and staff, they were sincerely thanked for their help,
kindness, and support they have extended to the campaign during the past year.
The National Trust of Fiji Islands agrees that during the past few months a wide cross-section of
the Gau community has become aware and concerned about the plight of their island bird, the
Kacau ni Gau. Indeed, 90 % of the sample in our recent post-project survey stated that they feel
proud of the bird. We must now use this grass-roots support to forge ahead and promote the
conservation of not only our bird, but also its forest habitat.
The National Trust will continue their efforts, and sincerely hope that all those who have assisted
in cash or kind will continue to pledge their support.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
74
Recommendations
The project will need to extend for another year or two in order to completely fulfil the six SMART
objectives set for the Gau Bird Project. The SMART objectives were set after the stakeholder
meetings and conducting of pre-project questionnaires survey. These objectives were conveyed
to the community of Gau and need to be fulfilled at the end of the programme.
The objectives focus on:
o
o
o
Creation of a bird sanctuary
Increasing in environmental knowledge
Fostering more positive attitudes towards conservation of natural
resources
Only a small proportion of the lush, tropical rainforest of Gau has been cleared, most remains
pristine and unspoilt. Unlike many other islands in the Pacific, Gau has the good fortune of
remaining free of mongoose, a fierce killer of petrels and other wildlife. Other alien animals,
however, are present and are likely to be causing havoc for the rare Fiji Petrel. Pacific Rat Rattus
exculans, Black Rat R. rattus, and Brown Rat R. norvegicus are all purported to be present on
Gau. These, together with cats, have undoubtedly taken their toll. Feral pigs, recently established
in the southern hinterland, now present a new alarming threat. Pigs have caused the demise and
extinction of seabirds on many islands around the world. Time may be well running out for the
elusive Fiji Petrel. If a rescue strategy is not mounted soon the species may be lost forever.
Securing Funds for the Continuation of the Gau Bird Project
A project proposal for the Gau Bird Project will be written by the Director and the Gau campaign
coordinator to various organisations for the continuation of this project.
Continuing Environmental Outreach
1. The fact sheets, poems of those who participated in the art and essay competition can be
use as material to send to radio station and we will solicit the program manager to air it to
the public and children’s programme. These articles will also be used in the National
Trust upcoming newsletters.
2. To have an article on the Kacau ni Gau project for the quarterly journals called ‘Na Mata’
with the Ministry of Fijian Affairs. These journals are always distributed to the fourteen
provinces in Fiji, all Government departments, Provincial offices and non-environmental
organisations.
3. To document a video, showing the Chiefs of Gau Island speaking about the elusive Fiji
Petrel. Aside from the chiefs the video is to feature the other famous sons from the island
who have made their mark in the world such as Waisale Serevi, Marika Vunibaka, and
Dr. Joeli Veitayaki along with those who have carried out previous studies on the bird or
on the island’s biodiversity. A clarification with the Ministry of Information, filming and Fiji
Television unit and University of the South Pacific Media Center for their assistance and
costs).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
75
4. National Trust awareness materials to be placed at the back seats of our domestic airline
so that passengers could read some of our materials. Arrangement for this could be
made with Air Fiji Manager.
5. To have information shelf at the Lovu airport where we can put National Trust awareness
materials and other pamphlets from various organisations. In this case, it will be needed
to liaise with other non-environmental organisations so that we can share cost.
6. Community needs more awareness materials to be distributed such as sarongs, t-shirts,
tie, hats, calendar, telecard, key tag, etc with the ‘Kacau’ logo and slogan printed on the
materials. This would be best done if the community could contribute financially.
7. The Gau community is seeking assistance from the Trust to control the feral pig
population. The pigs are introduced – and pose a threat to the ‘Kacau ni Gau’. The
Agriculture Ministry (Mr Napolioni Seru) has suggested that pig’s bait is not best suitable
to kill the wild pigs and the reason is that this can also affect dogs, chickens and most
importantly humans. The best possible option is to use the guns that agriculture officers
used to kill wild pigs. The campaign coordinator will need to go back to the village and
ask for Chiefs approval on usage of guns to the wild pigs.
8. The community asked if the Trust could expand its services by also preserving the Pacific
Black Duck and the Barking Pigeon. Reason being that they have started shooting the
two birds for food. The Pacific Black Duck can be found in other Pacific Islands, like
Samoa, Tonga and Wallis and Futuna while Barking Pigeon is endemic to Fiji.
9. The Trust will develop its links with Birdlife International and World Conservation Society
to continue survey work on the Fiji Petrel’s habitat to help the Trust preserve that
particular area in the future.
10. The Trust must create a link between the Ministry of Forests and the local community.
This will allow the Ministry of Forests to advise the community on proper regulations and
implications of cutting down forests.
11. During the past year only two vehicles serviced the island’s population of 4, 000, one a
government truck, the other a private utility. The truck was currently unserviceable. The
main means of transport on the island is boat, which is privately owned and often
unavailable. Furthermore, boats on the islands do not have roofs and sometimes when
travelling, a change of weather conditions occurs and materials could become wet.
Therefore, transport should be available for the campaign coordinator for the community
and school visitation program.
12. The National Trust campaign coordinator or the Gau part time ranger should be present
in every Gau Island meeting, District meeting and Provincial Meeting updating councillors
with the running of the project.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
76
References
Birdlife International (2000). Threatened Birds of the World. (Lynx Edicions and Birdlife
International: Barcelona and Cambridge)
Fiji Today. 2002. Ministry of National Reconciliation, Information and Media Relations.
Knox M. 1990. The Green Book for Fiji, teachers’ handbook on the conservation of nature in Fiji
Margoluis R, and Salafsky N (1998). Measures of Success. Designing, Managing and Monitoring
Conservation and Development Projects. Island Press.
National Trust of Fiji Islands corporate plan, 2002-2006.
Priddel D., Carlile N. (2003). Report on an expedition to Gau Island, Fiji, to search for the Fiji
Petrel, June 2003.
Rare Pride CD – Conservation Education Diploma Resources: Module 1 to 6
Toren C. 1986. Symbolic space and the Construction of Hierarchy. An anthropological and
Cognitive Development Study in a Fijian Village.
UNEP: http://www.unep.ch/islands/ILQ.htm#465.
Watling D, Lewanavanua R.F (1985). A note to record the continuing survival of the Fiji
(MacGillivrayi) Petrel Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi.
Watling D. and Gillison. An Endangered species in Low Elevation Cloud Forest on Gau Island,
Fiji.
Watling D. (1986). Oryx Vol 20 No 1, January 1986.
Watling D. 1985. Notes on the Birds of Gau Island, Fiji.
Watling D., Chape S. (1992). Environment: Fiji the National state of the environment report,
March 1992.
Watling. D. 1986. Rediscovery of a Petrel and new faunal records on Gau Island, Fiji (pg 31-34).
Watling. D. 2001. A Guide to the birds of Fiji and Western Polynesia including American Samoa,
Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna (pg 181-182).
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
77
Acknowledgements
1.
The RARE Center for Tropical Conservation and The Packard Foundation for funding this
awareness education campaign for the year 2003.
1.
To all the Chiefs of Gau Island for allowing permission to the National Trust of Fiji Islands
to work on the island for the conservation awareness campaign. Your generous support
was well received by staff when visiting the island.
2.
To the Lomaiviti Provincial office, and the assistant Roko, Mr Sitino Roko - your support
has been overwhelming.
3.
The staff of RARE Center for Tropical Conservation, especially Mr Paul Butler and Ms
Rosemary Godfrey for your effort, without your support this project won’t be successful.
4.
The lecturers, Professor Stuart Harrop, Dr Ian Bride, Dr David Corke for the words of
advice and suggestions for conducting the conservation education campaign.
5.
The National Trust Director, Mrs Elizabeth Erasito, staff and volunteers (Agnes, Vilisi and
Luisa) for your valuable contribution towards the project – advice, words of
encouragement and experience in the previous awareness programmes.
6.
Dr Dick Watling of Environmental Consultants for his advice and experience on the birds
of Gau and its environment.
7.
Mr Shiri Ram of George Rubine Advertising and Consultants for the design and layout of
every material produced for the education awareness campaign.
8.
The Managing Director, R C Manubhai for the donation of pipes for the puppet theatre.
9.
Mr Inoke Kasakilau for his drawings on the environment (go on stage, to cover puppet
theatre).
10.
Mrs Manju for sewing the puppets.
11.
The Lovu youth group, Gau Island who went with me around the island for two weeks.
Your contribution towards the environment, as Gau islanders, is very encouraging to
other community members.
12.
The search for the Fiji Petrel burrows was assisted by the Wildlife Conservation Society,
South Pacific Program, Mr David Priddel and Mr Nicholas Carlile, seabirds specialists of
New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife service, Australia and Dr Dick Watling of
Environmental Consultants – without their generous support the search could not have
taken place.
13.
The help of tour guides from Navukailagi village was crucial to the research that was
conducted and the hospitality was overwhelming, we are most grateful to you all.
Last, but not the least, to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, BP South West Pacific,
Tappoo Fiji Limited, Mr Muli, Mr Ian Rolls, Mrs Penina Namata, Mr Betani Salusalu and all others,
who are not mentioned, but contributed towards the running of the project in year 2003, we are
most thankful to your generous donations in cash or kind. Without your support, this project will
not be fruitful. Once again thank you very much.
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
78
Appendices
Appendix 1
Gau Pre-Campaign and Post-Campaign Questionnaire Survey Distribution
Lamiti: 20
Levuka: 5
Lekanai: 7
Lovu: 11
Malawai: 13
Nacavanadi: 27
Navukailagi: 8
Nawaikama: 23
Nukuloa : 7
Qarani: 11
Sawaieke: 20
Somosomo: 6
Vadravadra: 11
Vanuaso: 15
Vione: 10
Yadua: 12
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
79
Appendix 2
Description and measurements of the Fiji Petrel
The following information was gathered from a sighting of a Fiji Petrel on 20th April 1984 (Watling,
1984).
The plumage was a very dark chocolate brown all over, perhaps darkest around the face. There
were no light wing bars. The feet bi-coloured, the tarsus being a pale washed out blue while the
webs were black with a pale blue patch on the centre of the inner web and a separate small,
similarly coloured spot over the terminal joint of the inner toe. The tarsus and foot were noticeably
heavier and more robust. The first and second primaries were of equal length.
The measurements confirm that the Fiji Petrel is not related to the lightly built, long tailed Bulweria
petrels with which it has frequently been grouped. This confusion arose because of Gray’s (1859)
original destination, the similarity of plumage and size, and the misidentification of a specimen of
B.bulwerii sent to Canon Tristram in the last century.
Appendix Table 1: Fiji Petrel physical characteristics.
Weight (g)
Wing (mm)
Tail (mm)
Tarsus
(mm)
Midtoe+claw
Bill (mm)
abc
Adult
(1984
143
227
92
37
44
25 18 10.5
capture)
Immature
(B.M
205
85
35.3
40.5 +
25.3
specimen)
Notes:
1. Immature specimen was measured by M.J.Imber.
2. a = culmen length
b = tip to nostrils
c = depth beneath nostril openings
Source: Watling, 1984.
Appendix Table 2: Sighting of the Fiji Petrel on land.
Date
1960-64
30 April 1984
April or May
1985
3 July 1985
30 July 1987
11 Oct. 1987
1990
29 Dec 2002
Notes and source
Bird landed on roof at Nukuloa village (investigated by Bruce Palmer and
Kolinio Moce, Fiji Museum)
Adult attracted to the ground by spotlight along ridge overlooking the Gau
Secondary School, Nawaikama. Measured, photographed and released
(Watling and Lewanavanua 1985).
Bird landed on roof at Nukuloa village (Kolinio Moce)
Adult landed on roof at Nukuloa village. Attempts to release it failed. Died
and preserved in alcohol at the Fiji Museum (Kolinio Moce)
Bird landed on roof at Gau Secondary School, Nawaikama. Flew off 3
days later (Kolinio Moce, F.Kau)
Bird landed on roof at Nawaikama village. Flew off 9 days later. (Kolinio
Moce)
Bird landed on roof at Nawaikama village. Reported (with errors) by Radio
Fiji News (Kolinio Moce)
Bird landed on roof at Nukuloa. Later died and photographed, but
specimen not retained (Dick Watling)
Milika Ratu, Gau Island, Fiji Islands
80