The World Wildlife Fund has presented Golden Globe Conservation Awards to Fiji Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase and Tui Macuata, Ratu Aisea Katonivere, for their work protecting the country's unique marine biodiversity.
The two men were honored for their partnership and commitment to ensuring that at least 30 percent of Fiji's inshore and offshore marine areas will be effectively managed and financed within a comprehensive, ecologically representative network of marine protected areas by the year 2020.
Dr Simon Cripps, director of WWF's Global Marine Programme, says the awards recognize Fiji's leadership in marine conservation.
He says the international donor community must now join with Pacific governments and people to protect their globally significant marine areas that are essential to the health and well-being of Pacific people, their cultures and their economies.
