A/HRC/43/53/Add.1 I. Healthy biodiversity and ecosystems 97. Many human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, culture and a healthy environment, are dependent on healthy ecosystems and healthy biodiversity. Article 40 of the Constitution of Fiji states that every person has the right to have the natural world protected for the benefit of present and future generations. The loss of biodiversity and diminishing populations of flora and fauna undermine these rights. 98. Fiji has rich biological diversity and a high number of endemic species (meaning they are found nowhere else in the world). For example, over half (56 per cent) of the country’s 1,594 known plant species are endemic, making their conservation a matter of global importance. 99. More than 300 Fijian species are already listed as endangered and many other species are under pressure. Current estimates indicate that 25 per cent of bird species, 12 per cent of mammals, 67 per cent of amphibians and 11 per cent of reptiles are threatened or endangered in Fiji. 100. Two key approaches to protecting biodiversity are protected areas and enhanced protection for endangered species and their habitat. While Fiji employs both approaches, legal frameworks and resources required for implementation need to be improved. According to the report of 2013 on the state of the environment, most efforts to protect species and ecosystems are poorly coordinated and rely on the initiative of NGOs.13 Fiji has a wide range of laws and policies that contribute to the establishment and management of terrestrial and marine protected areas. However, it is widely agreed that either substantial amendments or new legislation is required to provide an effective framework for establishing and managing protected areas. 101. As a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Fiji is committed to the Aichi Target of protecting 17 per cent of its land by 2020. Of concern is the fact that terrestrial protected areas cover only 5.4 per cent of the land area of Fiji, although this figure has doubled in recent years. Proposed key biodiversity areas, important bird areas and priority forest areas would make up a further 10 per cent. 102. In 2005, Fiji made the commitment that, by 2020, at least 30 per cent of its inshore marine areas (reefs, mangroves and intertidal ecosystems) would be part of a comprehensive, ecologically representative and effectively managed network of marine protected areas. Pursuant to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Aichi Target for marine protected areas is 10 per cent by 2020. Formally designated marine protected areas in Fiji cover only 0.9 per cent of its marine realm. This figure does not recognize the many areas in Fijian waters that are closed under rules governing locally managed marine areas. 103. To implement its commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and Wild Fauna and Flora, Fiji enacted the Endangered and Protected Species Act (2002). Unfortunately, this Act lacks many of the standard elements of endangered species legislation, including prohibitions on harming a listed species or its critical habitat, and the mandatory development and implementation of recovery plans for listed species. In partnership with the Government, conservation organizations have carried out recovery activities for some high-profile species, such as the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana and the Fiji petrel, but this is no substitute for a comprehensive approach. 104. Forests comprise over half of the land area of Fiji and are important for environmental, cultural and economic reasons. Forests are being affected by climate change, illegal logging, clearing for agriculture and urban expansion. A recent report by the Auditor General concluded that considerable progress had been made in implementing the Fiji Forest Policy Statement (2007). However, the Auditor General also identified some key gaps and urged the Government to expedite the passage of the revised Forest Bill to replace the outdated Forest Act of 1992. 105. The Special Rapporteur was encouraged to witness the replanting and restoration of mangrove trees along the sea wall in Suva and he concurs with the Auditor General that the 13 Ibid., p. 111. 17