The introduction of Giant Invasive Iguana – GII (Iguana iguana) – to this four-island area within Fiji represents the first established population of this species in the Pacific and is a potential bridgehead to some of the world’s most isolated island ecosystems. GII have already caused harm throughout the Caribbean where they are spreading fast and have significant detrimental effects, including on native biodiversity, agriculture and tourism. Management and possibly eradication of this species from its current established range in Fiji is a high priority in order to prevent the types of impacts seen in the Caribbean from occurring within the Pacific region. Although there are several national and local-level initiatives to address Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Fiji, these efforts, lack adequate capacity and an overall comprehensive strategy to ensure a systematic and effective protection of biodiversity-rich and important areas. An effective, systematic and comprehensive eradication effort against GII, before populations grow beyond the point where they can be controlled is currently lacking and urgently needed.

The Building Capacities to Address Invasive Alien Species to Enhance the Chances of Long-term Survival of Terrestrial Endemic and Threatened Species on Taveuni Island, Surrounding Islets and Throughout Fiji project is a 5-year initiative executed in Fiji by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF). It aims to improve the chances of the long-term survival of terrestrial endemic and threatened species on Taveuni Island, the surrounding islets and throughout Fiji by building national and local capacity to reduce the risk of new IAS establishment and to improve the management of existing IAS. Improving IAS prevention and management in Fiji will require a suite of preventative measures that will be introduced by this project, including: (i) Strengthened IAS policy, institutions and coordination at the national level to reduce the risk of IAS entering Fiji, including a comprehensive multi-sectorial coordination mechanism to ensure the best possible use of resources and capacities for prevention, management, eradication, awareness and engagement, restoration, and capacity building; (ii) Improved IAS prevention and surveillance operations at the island level on Taveuni, Qamea, Matagi and Laucala to reduce potential for pest species to enter and establish within the four-island group and move between these islands; (iii) Implementation of a comprehensive eradication plan for GII based on detailed survey work and public outreach on Taveuni and an increase in removal effort of GII on the islands of Qamea, Matagi, and Laucala (and other islands, such as Taveuni if they are found to be established); and (iv) Strengthened knowledge management and awareness raising that targets the general public, tour operations and visitors, so as to safeguard the nation from IAS.

Detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained from UNDP Pacific Website
https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=71697