Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 7.4
Prior to a ground-based eradication of Pacifi c rat (
R. exulans
),
members of the Nagilogilo Clan and the feasibility study team celebrate
the erection of a sign, advising visitors of the importance of Vatu-i-Ra
Island (Fiji) as a bird-nesting site. Photo: Rob Chappell.
necessary to remove the rats from Vatu-i-Ra Island to protect seabird populations.
However, eradicating the rats was contingent on approval from the island owners,
the Nagilogilo Clan.
The community consultation process used by BirdLife consisted of a series of
meetings with the Nagilogilo Clan to:
Develop good relationships with the clan members and gain their trust.
•
•
Seek the clan's approval and encourage participation in the project.
•
Discuss the clan's aspirations and concerns in relation to the project.
•
Raise the clan's awareness about the impacts of rats on seabird populations
on Vatu-i-Ra Island.
Share information about the project.
•
This process resulted in the Nagilogilo Clan providing their approval and sup-
port for the proposed eradication and BirdLife committing to assist them in their
efforts to position Vatu-i-Ra Island as an eco-destination thereby, creating a rev-
enue stream for the Clan (Johns
et al
. 2006) (Figs. 7.3 and 7.4).
In 2006, the eradication project was successfully implemented by BirdLife
International with support from Nagilogilo Clan, the Pacifi c Invasives Initiative
(PII), and the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Vatu-i-Ra Island was
declared rat-free in 2008.
See: Pacifi c Invasives Initiative website:
http://www.issg.org/cii/PII
