Provincial Authorities
Eleven of the known Soga populations are in the Serua Province, three in Namosi Province and two in Tailevu Province. Working with the communities is best under- taken with the understanding and support of the provincial authorities. Consequently, a good understanding by the provincial authorities of the threatened status of the Soga and the need for management and use restrictions is vitally important. Such understanding and support will provide the foundation for working with the communities.
Potential actions to improve the inclusion of all con- cerned Provincial Offices include (i) conducting formal presentations to the Namosi and Tailevu provincial
authorities which have not yet been approached (the Serua provincial authority has been included from the start of the project and is a key member of the Recovery Team), (ii) to undertake landowner and community consultations toge- ther with provincial authority personnel, and (iii) involve the provincial authorities in the review and development of the Species Recovery Plan.