The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is located at the mouth of the
Sigatoka River on the island of
Viti Levu
Viti Levu (pronounced ) is the largest island in the Republic of Fiji. It is the site of the nation's capital, Suva, and home to a large majority of Fiji's population.
Geology
Fiji lies in a tectonically complex area between the Australian ...
in
Fiji. They are located approximately 3 km west of the town of
Sigatoka
Sigatoka ( ) is a town in Fiji. It is on the island of Viti Levu at the mouth of the Sigatoka River, for which it is named, some 61 kilometres from Nadi. Its population at the 2017 census was 17,622. It is the principal urban centre for the pr ...
.
The dunes are the product of erosion in the coastal hinterland and coastal dune forming processes. The extensive dune system covers an area of 650 hectares and comprises a series of parabolic sand dunes. The dunes range from 2060 m tall. The dunes have been forming over thousands of years.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered pottery more than 2600 years old, as well as one of the largest burial sites in the Pacific. Evidence of the past is clearly visible throughout the dune system as pottery shards, stone tools, human remains and other archaeological relics continue to be uncovered by natural processes.
The sand dune ecosystem contributes to its national significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
National Park status
The dunes were designated Fiji's first National Park in July 1989 and consequently came under the management of the
National Trust of Fiji. The dunes are now an important educational and recreational point for locals and tourists. Apart from being a key tourist destination, the dunes are an important source of archaeological artifacts and information for local and foreign universities and archaeological institutes.
World Heritage Status
This site was added to the
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...
World Heritage
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for ...
Tentative List on 26 October 1999 in the Cultural category.
References
External links
UNESCO World Heritage Centre – tentative list
Parks in Fiji
Landforms of Fiji
Dunes of Oceania
Preliminary Register of Sites of National Significance in Fiji
World Heritage Tentative List
Nadroga-Navosa Province
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