The rich life of Fiji
These South Pacific islands have a raft of projects that put them at the heart of conservation and eco-friendliness
Fiji has over 333 islands, some 330 species of flora, 200-plus marine parks, and it is the soft coral capital of the world. There’s good reason why the country is taking the helm this month at the UN Climate Change Conference 2017 in the German city of Bonn. The archipelago has much to protect and the islanders themselves are at the forefront.
Any trip to the South Pacific shows the huge role nature plays in life. In Fiji, kilometres of coastline wow even the most jaded, the brilliant blue ocean forms the backdrop to many a view, and colourful corals and marine life lure many a scuba-diver and snorkeller.
Inland Fiji is equally glorious, from the dense natural forests, home to much of Fiji’s birdlife and other flora and fauna, to remote villages nestled amid mighty rivers and high mountains. Never far away are the friendly islanders, with their rich Fijian and Indian cultures and frequent greetings of ‘Bula!’
Conserving the islands’ natural resources is part-and-parcel of Fijian life. The South Pacific archipelago is not only leading the charge against climate change with island-wide conservation projects, it’s also reaping the rewards of sustainable tourism as travellers seek ethical, eco-friendly travel experiences.
One example is the world-renowned Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on the unspoilt isle of Vanua Levu in northern Fiji, where local community projects include replanting of mangroves, educational dives and health provision, while the nearby town of Savusavu is seeking green town accreditation through the Fiji Government in time for COP23. Businesses such as J. Hunter Pearls, the recent recipient of UN sustainable accreditation, also rate ‘green’ approval.
In the remote Yasawa Islands off the west coast of ‘mainland’ Viti Levu is marine-protected Barefoot Manta Island. An on-site marine biology team conducts research on manta rays, turtles and coral, while the Vinaka Fiji (Thank you, Fiji) volunteer programme allows holidaymakers to combine reef checks and mangrove planting with time on the beach, shark dives and rock-climbing.
In the Mamanuca Islands, clean energy is the story, as schools and villages enjoy solar power, and environmentally friendly properties are becoming the norm. The Mamanuca Environment Society is behind several initiatives to ensure responsible tourism development, while Tavarua Island has witnessed successful giant clam restoration projects – shellfish that were once extinct in Fiji.
It’s fitting that this is the year Fiji takes on the presidency of COP23, the meeting of nations to advance the Paris Agreement. Working together is at the heart of Fiji’s national and global approach, where both locals and visitors can make a difference. The aim is to leave the islands in a better place for the next generation.