| Sovi Basin Protected Area | |
|---|---|
| Location | Viti Levu, Fiji |
| Nearest city | Suva |
| Coordinates | 17°59′1″S 178°10′56″E / 17.98361°S 178.18222°E |
| Area | 20 km2 (7.7 sq mi)[1] |
| Established | 2006 |
| Governing body | National Trust of Fiji |
The Sovi Basin is located in Naitasiri Province, on the island of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. Covering approximately 19,600 hectares, the basin is blanketed by a well-preserved tropical lowland forest, which is Fiji's largest and most biologically diverse.[2] Sovi basin resides within the Polynesia/Micronesia biodiversity hotspot, one of 34 hot spots throughout the globe. The site is to be protected in a partnership between Fiji Water and Conservation International.[3] The rainforest, wilderness area and high scenic valley contribute to its national significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.[4]
A 40,700 hectares (101,000 acres) area covering the basin is the Sovi Basin Important Bird Area. This area supports the largest protected populations of many of Fiji's restricted-range species, including the endangered Long-legged thicketbird, the vulnerable Pink-billed parrotfinch and Shy Ground-dove, and the near threatened Masked shining parrot.[5]
This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on October 26, 1999 in the Cultural category.[6]