SUVA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Development Program (UNDP) signed an agreement under the "Fiji Reef to Ridge project" with their new partners on Wednesday with an intention to maintain and enhance Fiji's ecosystem through integrated approaches to land, water, forest biodiversity and coastal resource management.

According to Fijivillage news website on Wednesday, this will contribute to poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience on the island nation.

UNDP country director Burkodir Bukhanov said these new partners consisted of the World Wide Fund for Nature, Pacific Islands Rainforest Foundation, University of the South Pacific - Institute of Applied Science and Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas Network.

This was a very important milestone and one of the biggest and expensive partnership endeavors that their office has attempted, he said, adding that they will continue to work in a well coordinated manner and learn from each other and support each other in the course of this projects.

He stated that under the Fiji Ridge to Reef project there are 6 focus catchment areas designated in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, and Vanua Levu, Fiji's second largest island.

Bukhanov said this project promotes multi-focal approach with issues aiming to address national priorities of the Pacific Island countries while also doing global environmental benefits.

The project will also assist protective areas and fresh water esturians and marine resources management actions.

Bibhya Nand Sharma, dean for the Faculty of Science at the University of the South Pacific, said this partnership will help them in their Marine and Environmental Science Departments through enhancing their knowledge for the protection of marine and land resources.

The Fiji Ridge to Reef Project aims to preserve biodiversity, ecosystem services, sequester carbon, improve climate resilience and sustain livelihoods through a ridge to reef management of priority water catchments on the two main islands of Fiji.