Protecting Coasts & Foreshores

Fiji 's coasts and foreshores have many features that make them attractive for development: the land-water boundary offers access to a range of lifestyle, recreation and tourism opportunities; many of the sites are scenic; and much of the remote coast has natural and environmental values that are unmatched in more serviced locations. That much of the coastline is previously undeveloped makes it particularly attractive for lifestyle-residential and tourism-related activities.

Many of the features that make coastal areas attractive for development are sensitive and could easily be negatively impacted by development. Matters for consideration include:

• Beaches and tidal zones are dynamic and changing natural systems.
• Sands may not be stable for building.
• Mangroves contribute to coastal stability and are valuable fish-breeding areas.
• Near-shore reefs host coral and fish colonies.
• Views to and from water and foreshore are critical to coastal character.

Coastal development may address these factors through sensitive location, design and operation.
For the purposes of development control and planning, the coastal zone is any area within 30 metres inland of the mean high water mark (HWM) and seaward up to the fringing reef or a similar reasonable distance. Regulations about coastal development apply to anyone carrying out activities and making changes to land within the coastal zone - either on land or over water. Development in the coastal zone above the HWM is subject to town planning requirements; development seaward of the HWM requires a foreshore lease or wet lease subject to regulation by the Department of Lands. Due to the sensitive nature of many coastal environments, all developments require environmental impact assessment.