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.

[3] The rainforest, wilderness area and high scenic valley contribute to its national significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

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.