Fiji : The Short Story: Coral Reef Alliance

Since beginning our work in Fiji in 2003, CORAL is now seeing real and measurable progress from our Coral Reef Sustainable Destination (CRSD) approach. We have designed a business plan and are developing sustainable financing projects for the Namena Marine Reserve, and we provide technical support to the Kubulau Management Resource Committee (KMRC)—a community-based body charged with managing the region’s marine resources—in its operation of the marine reserve. We facilitate close working relationships between marine recreation providers and members of the local community on issues of marine area management and decision-making.

And on the nearby island of Taveuni, we assist the Waitabu Marine Park with improvements to its local management of the reef.

In addition to a dedicated Indo-Pacific program manager located at CORAL’s San Francisco headquarters, we employ two Fiji-based field staff to aid in all program execution.

Our Projects | Coral Reef Alliance:

NEW DVD FEATURES LAVISH LOMAIVITI REEFS

We have never seen reefs with such spectacular colour and abundance of fishlife as we found with NAI'A in Fiji. The shallow reef tops in particular ended each dive in a mind-blowing sensory overload that inspired this video. We just felt these views had to be shared with the world!

- Josh Jensen & Liz Harlin, filmmakers

Former NAI'A cruise directors have released a unique DVD designed to revolutionise living spaces by transforming TV screens into a window on the world's most stunning coral reefs.

Josh Jensen and Liz Harlin are now based in Australia as underwater imagery specialists with their own company, Undersea Productions www.underseaproductions.com Their latest project, Reefscapes: Nature's Aquarium, presents the spectacular beauty of Fiji's coral reefs "as if you were right there," said Jensen.

"We created it for homeowners looking for something colourful, dynamic and beautiful to showcase on their flatscreen TV.

"There's no dialogue, no story, just the sheer beauty of coral reefs - the ultimate work of art."

Nature's Aquarium was filmed throughout Central Fiji while the duo worked (yeah, right) as NAI'A cruise directors and dive guides. The show is an hour-long collection of 137 seamlessly unfolding ocean scenes.

According to Harlin, most aquarium DVDs available are merely videos of a fish tank.

"But Nature's Aquarium is different because it is filmed on actual reefs," she said.

"The camera is fixed, so you still get the aquarium feel – except the action unfolds freely, not within the confines of glass walls, but in the South Pacific's limitless blue."

Nature's Aquarium includes a bonus feature called Reefscapes: A Closer Look. It's a 20-minute virtual dive allowing the viewer to meet the colourful characters on Fiji's reefs using optional identifying subtitles.

A preview from Nature's Aquarium can be watched on the Undersea Productions website, and the DVD can be purchased online for $19.95 plus shipping. Visit www.underseaproductions.com

DISCOVER FIJI Scuba Travel Package

DISCOVER FIJI Scuba Travel

By Geri Murphy

Though known to many as just another one of those tiny countries on the other side of the globe, Fiji is actually an island paradise where fragrant flowers abound and azure waters grace some of the world's most beautiful palm-fringed beaches. Fiji also is a unique dive destination that features a wide array of topside and underwater adventures

World's Most Colorful Reefs:
Fiji's undersea fields of soft coral are legendary among traveling divers. Nowhere else will you find such vibrant colors and such a wide range of hues. Delicate hard coral formations are carpeted with pastel shades of lavender and lemon, punctuated by bright splashes of crimson red, juicy orange and royal purple. The reefs are a kaleidoscope of splendid colors and shapes.

Extraordinary Marine Life:
Fiji's Indo-Pacific species are nothing like the familiar fish of North America and the Caribbean. The exotic forms and brilliant colors of these precious tropicals amaze first-time visitors. Apricot-colored Clownfish and electric blue eels dance before your facemask in a carnival atmosphere."

WWF South Pacific | Villagers take lead in financing their I qoloqoli in Macuata, Fiji

- By Ashwini Prabha

The people of the qoliqoli (fishing grounds) of the vanua Nabekavu, Dreketi, Macuata, Sasa and Mali have, in the past 2 years, implemented set actions for the use of their I qoliqoli.

They have successfully set aside 9 areas, totaling to 117 kms2 within the I qoliqoli as tabus(protected areas), for the purpose of restocking the I qoliqoli. Already, the people of the I qoliqoli are talking about larger fishes caught near shore as in the past and different types that had not been seen in the recent years have begun to come back.

“This week we went out fishing everyday and came back with a full catch compared to few years ago when we would go out one day and have a good catch and the next three to four days we would hardly catch anything. These changes have also attracted increasing illegal fishers into the I qoliqoli and into the 'tabu' (protected areas) areas.”

- Emosi Baya, one of the I qoliqoli committee members from Nakawaga, Mali Island.

“These changes have also increasingly attracted illegal fishers into the I qoliqoli and into the tabu areas,”

said Baya.

Currently WWF Fiji and partners are working with the Macuata communities by assisting in the development and implementation of resource management plan, educating and training of community members to undertake activities outlined in their management plans, training fish wardens and building community capacity (through household financial literacy training, community messaging, community biological and socio-economic surveyors etc).

With WWFs support to come to an end in three years, there is a commitment by WWF to assist the qoliqoli committee to secure funding with which the qoliqoli communities will continue to manage their I qoliqoli’s.

Long term self financing of Marine Protected Areas

A 12 month Fund Raising Plan (May 2007 to June 2008), with 4 activities, targeting FJD100,000, has been developed to generate funding for the management of the qoliqoli, spearheaded by the Qoliqoli Committee of the Vanua Nabekavu, Tikina Dreketi, Macuata, Sasa & Mali.

“A review of the 2004 management plan showed that the Qoliqoli committee lacked dedicated funds or a plan to seek funds for the implementation of this plan which includes the actions by fish wardens in stemming illegal fishing.”

- Sanivalati Navuku, Project officers, WWF Fiji Programme

The first fundraising event is the upcoming Great Sea Reefs (GSR) Sevens Rugby Tournament, in November (9th to 10th) at the Subrail Park, in Labasa. The tournament targets to raise $15,000.00.

Ten top national teams will be invited to participate, with part of their travel and accommodation costs supported by the Qoliqoli Committee through sponsorship.

A total of 56 teams are expected to participate, including boys teams of 17, 16, 15, 12, 9. The inclusion of the boys team is expected to pull in parents and families to travel to the games venue in Labasa.

Mr. Baya who is involved in the fundraiser said,

“the GSR sevens is not just to raise money but will help qoliqoli owners to come together to work towards the protection of their natural resources. Working to manage our qoliqoli has brought many of us together, from the inland villages and coastal villages for the first time. Some of us are visiting some qoliqoli villages for the first time as well.”

“When WWF started this project (MPA) in 2004, I was the only representative from the island of Mali. Today the number of representatives from Mali and other villagers has increased. These efforts are helping re-establish our traditional links.”

he said.

Other fundraising activities by the Qoliqoli committee includes- Honorary Qoliqoli Owners by Invitation, targeting $9,000.00, Connecting qoliqoli members living outside of Fiji (3), targeting $10,000.00 and Village based fund raising & dinner by invitation, targeting $42,000.00.

“Effort is being made to increase the communities’ involvement and participation in the management of their resources. The communities need to take ownership in protecting their natural resources starting with MPA projects.”

- Sanivalati Navuku, Project officer, WWF Fiji.

Fiji’s precious marine ecosystem is under attack from over fishing, unsustainable and destructive harvesting of live coral and exotic fish for aquariums, and increasing levels of pollution. Climate change is also playing its part in the degradation of the marine environment as warmer sea water.

In November 2005, seven chiefs of the province of Macuata launched the first of the country’s networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the Great Sea Reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world. This came about as a result of the Great Sea Reef survey, a first in the area, conducted in 2004 with the support of WWF and partners, which highlighted its unique biodiversity.

WWF has witnessed the benefits of MPAs to biodiversity and marine resources and the people who rely on them around the world. Hence it is supporting the Government and the people of Fiji in the development and implementation of its commitment to have 30%of the country’s EEZ under MPAs by 2020. Together with FLMMA and other key organisations, WWF is facilitating policy dialogue, scientific research, community capacity building and financing.

Source: WWF Fiji

Tabu waters: Protecting Fiji's Great Sea Reef

Dakuwaqa , the Polynesian shark god, would have heard the ruckus coming from the small village of Naduri in a verdant corner of the Fijian archipelago on the morning of a new beginning.

Ancient fishing chants, many of which hadn't been performed in more than 50 years, and a lavish feast of local delicacies — clams, seaweeds, taro leaves, mangoes, guavas, coconuts and pineapples — were prepared over days for villagers and visitors alike. A pig was roasted, graceful seasea fan dances and fierce spear dances enacted, gifts bestowed, kava drunk, and a whale's tooth passed around for good luck.

All this for the opening of the country's first marine protected area? Yes. That's what a waitui tabu (prohibited zone) is these days, a cause for celebration, especially when it will protect parts of Fiji's Great Sea Reef — the world's third largest barrier reef and home to a staggering array of life, some still unknown to science.

Fiji is leading the pack of coastal nations by committing to the establishment of a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2020. The area, covering 30 per cent of its territorial waters or 39 million hectares, will be the largest system of underwater sanctuaries in the world.

“Protecting the reef will ensure that one of our greatest assets remains intact and continues to be an important part of the traditions, culture and livelihoods of the people of Fiji,” said Etika Rupeni of WWF's South Pacific Office in Fiji. “Marine protected areas the world over are proving to be one of the most effective ways for coastal dwellers to safeguard their dwindling food supplies and preserve precious biodiversity.”

Damsel in distress
Captain James Cook, the 18th century British explorer who mapped the South Pacific, including Fiji, is often referred to as the founder of modern oceanography. Among his many discoveries was a linguistic one, the term “taboo” (or “tabu”) — a word that has traveled as widely as Cook himself and is now used throughout the English-speaking world. It still retains, however, its meaning in Polynesia — a prohibition imposed by social custom.

Waitui tabusI, or prohibited fishing zones, have been set aside in Fiji's Great Sea Reef to conserve the most diverse amount of species and habitats as possible. Covering more than 200,000km2, the reef — locally known as Cakaulevu — is home to thousands of marine species, including marine turtles, dolphins, sharks, and 43 new hard coral species. The reef is also an important fishing ground for local communities.

“If you see this place, you would consider yourself the luckiest person on Earth,” said marine biologist Aaron Jenkins, who dives regularly in the Great Sea Reef and is still awed by its extraordinary diversity of life. “The colours, the fish and coral, and most of all, what we still don't know about it, are amazing.”

During a 12-day survey of the reef undertaken by WWF and its partners at the end of 2004, the team found a species of damsel fish (Pomacentrus sp.) previously unknown to science, as well as 12 threatened species, including 10 species of fish, green turtles and spinner dolphins. The survey also identified significant threats to the Great Sea Reef, such as overfishing and poaching by illegal fishers, poison fishing, sand dredging, and other development activities.

In efforts to protect the fragile environment, local village chiefs in Fiji have launched the first of the reef's network of marine protected areas.

“It is important to look at a wider scale of management by capturing the interactions between a range of sites, protecting migratory corridors of more mobile species and maintaining ecological processes,” said Jenkins, the survey's chief scientist.

“Marine protected areas are crucial. They are about preserving the integrity of the wider marine environment across connected systems.”

Protecting tabu areas
In a country where the abiding principle of veisolisoli and kerekere (give and take) is woven into the fabric of society, the concept of marine stewardship is considered common sense. But, years of overfishing, pollution, and destructive harvesting of live coral and exotic fish have eroded Fiji's underwater paradise.

This is in addition to the plundering of Fiji's genetic resources where important plant and marine species are being ripped out of the ground and sea for the highly profitable cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agriculture and biotechnology industries — often without the consent of local resource owners.

Efforts, however, are being made to reign in the free-for-all.

The creation of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) are empowering coastal communities to take matters into their own hands. The Fiji LMMA drives community-based marine conservation by working closely with 40 traditional fishing grounds (qoliqoli). To date, there are 109 LMMA sites in Fiji, covering about 15 per cent of the country's coastal areas. Witnessing the positive impacts LMMAs are having on local livelihoods, more and more communities are clamoring to establish similar programmes.

The benefits of combining traditional and scientific knowledge and methods can be seen in one of the originating communities of this quiet revolution. The residents of Ucunivanua in Fiji's Verata district, for example, can attest to the benefits of such locally managed areas. Lamenting the decline in the numbers of kaikoso (ark clams) — a key source of food and a marketable commodity — the community decided to take action by reviving tabu practices to protect breeding areas. As a result, clam populations have increased 300 per cent annually in these areas, and by 200 per cent in spillover areas. Incomes over three years have risen by 35 per cent.

“The fish in my protected area are so tame when you dive down to count them they wink at you,” said one local Fijian fisherman jokingly.

“The underwater residents of my protected area are so happy that they practically flop themselves into the boat, said another.”

Replenishing waters for future generations
A notable initiative from Verata is a bio-prospecting arrangement with a pharmaceutical company which has seen US$30,000 put into a trust fund to sustain local conservation work. Another community is managing its coral reefs and generating income by sustainably collecting “live rock” (dead coral or rock covered with algae that is used in aquariums to form a reef base for tropical fish) for the marine aquarium trade.

The Verata initiative and other projects have since merged to share information and resources in a Fiji-wide network of community representatives and NGOs, of which WWF was a founding member.

“The network story is truly an outstanding one, demonstrating how local communities, NGOs and the government can work together to improve livelihoods and protect one's natural heritage, and indeed, a nation,” said WWF International President Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who presented the government of Fiji and local communities with WWF's Conservation Leadership Award.

“As a small island state we are equipped with a special sensitivity that makes us keenly aware of environmental changes,” added Fiji's Fisheries Minister Konisi Tabu Yabaki. “We, just like our forefathers, know that if we do not maintain the health of our environment, our way of life will be threatened. Waitui tabu simply makes sense.”

WWF is working in the world's most sensitive and biologically diverse regions to help protect ocean habitat and support commercial fisheries. The global conservation organization is establishing individual marine protected areas and ensuring that they are supported by local people so that they can be managed effectively. Each park fits into a network of protected areas that represents the diversity of habitats within a given marine ecological region.

“The community is grateful for the support,” said Chief Ratu Aisea Katonivere of Macuata Province. “We hope it will begin the journey to bring back the richness of these once plentiful waters, not only for ourselves, but also for our children.”

Source: WWF

Exploring Fiji's underwater world Sunset

Exploring Fiji's underwater world Sunset - Find Articles:

Sunset, May, 1990

Rapidly gaining fame as one of the South Pacific's top diving and snorkeling spots, Fiji offers many lures to its diverse underwater world of coral gardens and reef fish. People are drawn to these islands by the proximity of barrier reefs to resorts with dive facilities--as well as the friendly, English-speaking people; the landscape's lush tropical beauty; and frequent air service from the U.S. Their nearness to shore is just one of the reef's virtues.

Great Sea Reef, off the north coast of Vanua Levu, is one of the world's largest, and Astrolabe Reef, north of Kandavu, one of the most colorful. The water is warm, and conditions are good year-round. Snorkeling or diving, you'll see hundreds of species of fish, including manta rays, batfish, moray eels, barracuda, whitetip shark--though you'll have a better chance of seeing larger fish if you dive.

Abundant soft and hard corals explode in a riot of reds, oranges, yellows, purples, and glowing neon hues. Over the past few years, several dive operations have set up around Fiji; all offer top-quality rental equipment, and expert instruction and guiding."

Fiji Scuba Diving - About Scuba Diving in Fiji

Fiji Scuba Diving - About Scuba Diving in Fiji

Fiji Scuba Diving Information

Fiji is famous for its beautiful terrain, tranquil sunsets, clear waters, and it's rainbow medley of soft coral. This tropical paradise has rightfully earned the nickname: 'Soft Coral Capital of the World'. No wonder snorkeling and scuba diving are popular throughout Fiji.

While diving Fiji, you'll discover over four hundred species of coral. The most famous being Dendronepthya Klunzingeri, which comes in a kaleidoscope of colors. The coral is found on reefs with moderate to strong currents and at deeper depths. With over 330 islands and 76,000 square miles of ocean, there's an abundance of coral environments for your enjoyment. You'll find drop-offs, swim-throughs, fissures, coral gardens, and the spine and groove type reefs."

Scuba Diving Vacations - Where to Vacation and Scuba Dive

Scuba Diving Vacations - Where to Vacation and Scuba Dive

"Top Places to Scuba Dive while on Vacation

Scuba diving vacation spots aren't hard to find. So, you've thought about taking a dive vacation, and you're having a hard time picking a scuba diving vacation spot. It isn't easy, with all the wonderful places to scuba dive and vacation at the same time. To make your decision a little easier, consider one of these locations.

...

#2 Fiji
Taveuni is probably the most preferred island for diving in Fiji, but there is no shortage of dive spots. Fiji is nicknamed "Soft Coral Capital of the World" because of the famous soft coral that thrives in the region. Naturally, the coral grows in strong current areas, so you should be thoroughly comfortable diving in those conditions. The Great White Wall is a thrilling attraction. Not only will you discover soft corals here; you'll also see tropical fish such as butterfly fish, parrot fish, and unicorn fish."

Fiji - Scuba Diving Magazine

"Brilliant soft corals may be Fiji's signature dive attraction, but there's much more to the underwater story here. With more than 320 islands to choose from, divers never run out of options. The largest island of Viti Levu offers easy access to the widest range of sites (including the world-famous Beqa Lagoon and the shark encounters off Pacific Harbour) and has the most extensive diving infrastructure. Vanua Levu and Taveuni, to the north, feature otherworldly walls of snowy soft coral. And the smaller islands of the Yasawas, the Lau Group, the Mamanucas, the Lomaivitis and Kadavu each have a distinct underwater appeal. Acres of plate and staghorn corals have colonized the Yasawas and Mamanucas, considered to have some of the best vis in all Fiji. The bommies off the outer Lomaivitis are known for pelagics drawn to their shoals of baitfish, and the Great Astrolabe Reef of Kadavu is a top spot for big animal encounters."

Welcome to My Fiji

Its as if Pieces of Heaven Have Dropped from the Sky

by Jack and Sue Drafahl

Now, open your eyes and see your dream become reality. Welcome to Fiji! Scattered over the South Pacific, its 330 islands are welcoming more and more dive travelers every year. Once they find Fiji, it becomes embedded in their souls and they have an insatiable desire to return. One of the main reasons this happens is the people: they are truly the friendliest on earth. Moments after you arrive in Nadi Airport you will be offered a smile and the Fijian greeting of bula. Simply return the greeting by repeating bula and your life will be changed forever. Fiji is 17 degrees south of the equator, just northeast of Australia and west of the International Dateline. The largest island, Viti Levu, is home to the largest portion of Fiji's 780,000 people. The official language is English and although Fiji has its own currency, the U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere. Because Fiji is south of the equator, its summer is November to March; winter is April to October. Summer temperatures average 86F; the winter average is 73. Cooling trade winds make even the warmest day comfortable. Accommodations throughout Fiji vary from luxury hotels with golf courses to comfortable resorts offering thatched roof Fijian cottages called bures. You can find inexpensive backpacking locales and resorts that offer affordable luxury. Fiji has something to satisfy every pocketbook. The diving in this South Pacific paradise is as varied as the resorts and the topography. You will find calm, shallow diving inside many of the island lagoons and deeper wall diving where the intertidal currents pass among the islands. During this exchange of water the reefs are alive with soft corals of every color in full bloom. Although we hope you never see it, the Fiji Dive Operators Association has also established an hyperbaric chamber in Suva. While Fiji is noted for its world-class diving, it also offers a fascinating blend of culture and customs. To truly enjoy Fiji, you must experience the customs that make these people unique. Many Fijians live in villages where the philosophy is care and share. No visitor is a stranger for long because these people immediately make you one of their family. Fiji's Regions: Fiji's diving is divided into the northern section, encompassing Savusavu, Vanua Levu and the islands of Namenalala, Taveuni, Laucala, Matagi and Qamea. The central and southern sections cover Vatulele, Kadavu, Beqa and the Coral Coast. The western region features the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Follow us as we introduce you to some of the finest diving in the world. Read whole article...

FVB Dive ME Guide

Look at the FVB Dive ME Guide here:

http://www.bulafiji.com/diveme/online_brochure.html

Here you will find an "e-brochure" about Fiji diving and it's awesome!

“Any country with coral reefs like this has a national treasure that should be protected. Fiji is on of the lucky countries.”
Roger Steene: Author, photographer and marine naturalist.

“We dropped into the blue and descended to a sandy ledge at 100ft where a hammerhead shark was sighted. Schools of barracuda and jack inhabit the channel where a large coral pinnacle is washed by 100ft plus visibility. From bottom to top there were intense pockets of filter feeders: crinoids, giant gorgonian fans, black coral, and massive soft coral trees. The diving is timed to hit enough current to engorge the soft corals and cluster the fish together. That’s what makes these reefs so vibrant and alive.”
Stephen Frink: professional underwater photographer.

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• Click here to view our online Dive ME Guide
• Click here to Download the pdf Version
  

Fiji In Living Color - Scuba Diving Magazine

Fiji In Living Color - Scuba Diving Magazine

June 2007

Text by Buck Butler

At two passages in the soft-coral capital of the world, strong currents make for eye-popping reefs.

In still waters, normally brilliant colonies of Dendronephthya soft coral retract into protective, knobby fists, and a reef that's a Jolly-Rancher-colored spectacle in normal conditions becomes a mundane rockscape. But when currents push fast-moving water over a soft-coral reef, these assemblages of tiny animals unfurl their jewel-toned branches to feed on the nutrients that ride those currents. Put your mask close to a soft coral tree to find each colony of Dendronephthya plumping itself up, taking on water to filter for food until its translucent membrane practically glows. Then, for a more expansive view, move two fin-kicks away from a soft-coral-covered wall when the current is running--the stronger the better--and you will find one of the most spectacular sights under the sea.

If you want to find soft corals, pack your gear for the 300-plus islands of Fiji. And if you want to find reefs washed by swift currents and everything that means--forests of soft corals, thriving hard corals, a mind-boggling diversity of species and tornadoes of schooling fish--look at a map of Fiji and find the places where water accelerates through narrow passages with every tidal change. In that fast water, divers sometimes have to kick hard just to stay in one place, and soft-coral sites literally come to life.

Where can you find a regularly occurring perfect storm of these conditions and some of the most visually engaging reefs in the world? Fiji's Somosomo Strait and Vatu-i-Ra Passage.

Read full article here: Fiji In Living Color - Scuba Diving Magazine

Data for 2008 "Status of Coral Reefs of the World"

A call from Ms Helen Sykes of Marine Ecology Consulting...

================================================

We are now calling for data from anyone who wishes to contribute to the 2007 Fiji report, which in turn will be included in the 2008 "Status of Coral Reefs of the World" edited by Clive Wilkinson of AIMS. All contributors will be acknowledged in the reports, and also help us to
increase the representation of more regions of the Fiji Islands. Data need to be with me by 15 DECEMBER 2007.

You can send me raw data if you wish, but I know many organisations need to hold on to original information. All I need are averages in the form of summaries. The reef should be as representative as possible of the area you work in, and it's great if you have data at two depths, one between 3 and 6 metres and one betwen 9 and 12 metres, but we will take any data you care to share. If you do not measure all the criteria below, send what you have - not all sites contribute to all categories.

Country

Region

Site name

GPS reference

Depth

Reef Type

Date

Water Temperature

Organisation name

Surveyor name

Survey method used

Please give means of at least 4 samples with standard deviation if possible:

Percentage substrate cover at the most complex level you record:

(Corals, Algae, Sponges, Abiotic substrate types)

Number of macro-invertebrates per 100m2 of reef Sea Cucumbers, Diadema Urchins, Tripnuestes Urchins, Pencil Urchins, Lobster, Banded Coral Shrimp, Crown of Thorns Stars, Giant Clams (Giant Clams with a size estimation)

Number of fish in these groups per 100m2 of reef Butterflyfish, Snappers, Sweetlips, Parrotfish over 20cm long, Moray Eels, Surgeon and Unicornfish, Goatfish, Jacks and Trevallies, Groupers (Groupers with a size estimation)

Any sightings, whether on a transect or off it, of Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse and Turtles. Turtles to species if possible, plus any notes on habitat and behaviour which may be possible.

Thanks and best regards,

Helen Sykes

Director

marine ecology

Fiji's leading company for Coastal & Marine Ecology Assessments

Resort Support

PO Box 2558, Govt Buildings

Suva, Fiji Islands

t: +679-336-3625 / +679-359-2136

e: helen@marineecologyfiji.com

Change in name for ROC

Change in name for ROC
10 DEC 2007

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Republic of Cappuccino (ROC) cafes located around Fiji will soon be known as Esquires coffee houses.

This follows a newly-established partnership between the locally-owned ROC cafes and a Canadian based investor.

“The change in name will be done sometime this Thursday or Friday,” says ROC managing director, John Philip.

Philip explains that the partnership deal is the best way to move the business forward.

“When we get together we will be stronger and this will be better for business,” he said.

Philip said he believes the partnership will help them benefit from the advanced point of sale system and Esquires ambitious nature.

“The Esquires coffee houses are rapidly growing and now they own a chain of hundreds of cafes around the world,” he said.

Philip stated that the ROC cafe has got a strong tradition of coffee and the Fijian market to offer its new partners.

Philip says they hope to run twenty cafes and kiosks in the next 5 years.

According to Philip, the upgrade maintenance of the ROC cafe has been going on for the past 2 months and they hope to put in the final touches by this Wednesday.

Philip said that they have invested $350 000 in the upgrade process.

The ROC cafe has already undergone some interior change in color, background settings and design.

Philip elaborates that the ROC cafe will still maintain its culture and continue to sell coffee drinks that have been profitable over the years while introducing some other drinks that are sold by Esquires.

The ROC cafes have been running in Fiji for nearly 10 years.

Fiji's Tourism Development Plan

Building Sustainable Tourism

© Brent Stirton/ Getty Images/ WWF-UK. Construction site for Marriot Hotel in Tikina Wai, Sigatoka, Fiji.

This was a proposed marine protected area. According to community members, at times, one could see upto 31 reef herons when this site was a wetland/marsh land.

For conservation of biodiversity to be fully appreciated and actively pursued at national and regional level, WWF also supports efforts to mainstream conservation into national and sectoral plans, policies and programmes. The Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) of Fiji's Tourism Development Plan exemplifies this approach.

The objective of the SEA was to assess the environmental and sustainable development impacts of the Plan to enable the Ministry of Tourism and its partners to make future plans sustainable.

The SEA indicated a major need for the present policy to be reviewed in order to protect Fiji's environment and people. There were concerns about Fijians benefiting economically from tourism. The planned expansion of the tourism industry in the Plan threatened to cause irreversible environmental damage and could lead to tension between tourist developers, landowners and local communities.

Based on these findings, the report was published and an Advisory group was established to guide the SEA process. The group comprised representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of National Planning, Fiji Hotel Association, USP, tourism consultants, The Fiji Visitors Bureau and WWF. This process was a three way partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, the Asian Development Bank and WWF South Pacific.

» Download A Strategic Environmental Assessment of Fiji’s Tourism Development Plan

Zip Fiji!

WTTC unveils Tourism for Tomorrow judges-30 October, 2007

I wonder if any of our ops are to be nominated this year. SO far the Shark Dive in Beqa is our star.. Wonder who this year...

Stuart

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WTTC unveils Tourism for Tomorrow judges

Judges for the 2008 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have been confirmed by the World Travel & Tourism Council.

The Awards, which focus on best practices in sustainable tourism, have gained international recognition for their rigorous three-step judging process.

Judges on the finalist selection committee are:

*Dr Peter Burns, Professor, Centre for Tourism Policy Studies, University of Brighton, UK

*Tony Charters, Principal, Tony Charters & Associates, Australia

*Nicky Fitzgerald, Senior Director, CC Africa, South Africa

*Erika Harms, Executive Director of Sustainable Development, United Nations Foundation, Costa Rica & USA

*Marilu Hernandez, President, Fundacion Hacinedas del Mundo Mayas, Mexico

*Dr Janne J Liburd, Associate Professor, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark & Chair, BEST Education Network

*Brian Mullis, President, Sustainable Travel International, USA

*Mahen Sangkhrajka, President, Big Five Tours and Expeditions, Kenya

*Mandip Singh Soin FRGS, Founder & Managing Director, Ibex Expeditions (P) Ltd

*Albert Teo, Managing Director, Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia

*Jessica Hall Upchurch, Director of Sustainability, Virtuoso, USA

*Michelle White, Director, Environmental Affairs, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canada & Global

The panel will review and select a shortlist of finalists in each of the four award categories to move into the second stage, when on-site inspections will take place.

During the third stage of judging, a final judging panel will choose the winner for each category.

Members of the final judging panel include:

*Costas Christ, Chairman of Judges, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, USA

*Maria Isabel Salvador, Minister of Tourism, Ecuador

*Graham Boynton, Group Travel Editor, Telegraph Media Group, UK

*Fiona Jeffery, Managing Director, World Travel Market, UK

Chairman of the judges Costas Christ said: "The high calibre of our international judging panel and the rigorous on site inspection process is what distinguishes these prestigious awards, bringing global recognition to the world's best practice examples of sustainable tourism.

"Our goal is to encourage the travel and tourism industry to play a larger role in protecting the cultural and natural heritage of our planet while also delivering tangible local economic benefits."

WTTC unveils Tourism for Tomorrow judges

Fiji’s reefs in spectacular condition!

Fiji’s reefs show high coral health after recovering from a coral bleaching event.

Coral reefs have frequently been in the news over the past few years, usually for all the wrong reasons, in articles about dying corals across the globe. However, Fiji has had reason to celebrate, with recent scientific reports suggesting that the reefs here are remarkably resilient, and currently in the best condition recorded. (this millennium!)

Fiji is a large archipelago with a great variety of reef types, spread across the country. While not denying that reefs have their ups and downs, the Fiji branches of the Global Coral Reef Network (GCRMN) and Reef Check have just published the results of eight years of study, where reefs have been seen to recover from events such as Cyclones, Crown of Thorns Starfish and High-temperature Coral Bleaching, within five years.

Dive operators around the Fiji Islands have supported and carried out scientific reef surveys on their dive sites, which have shown reefs affected by coral bleaching in 2000 were back to normal amounts of coral cover by 2005, and even better than normal by 2007.

Many reefs are currently showing a spectacular array of hard corals, with more than 80% coral cover, and 40% Acropora branching and table corals, the most attractive to fish, marine animals, and divers. This suggests that corals in Fiji can survive quite catastrophic events as long as they do not occur too often, a nice cause for optimism for the South Pacific reefs.

Detailed reef health reports can be found at:

• www.reefcheck.org

• www.gcrmn.org

• www.marineecologyfiji.com

By: Helen R Sykes

Director Marine Ecology Fiji

Fiji Co-coordinator Reef Check

Fiji Co-coordinator GCRMN

Fiji Travel - Why It Is So Popular

Fiji Travel - Why It Is So Popular

"Are you interested in taking a vacation, a romantic getaway, or a honeymoon? If you are, you may have had Fiji travel recommended to you before. Although it is nice to know that Fiji is a great destination for a vacation, romantic getaway, or honeymoon, you may be interested in learning just why that is. If you are, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to determining exactly why Fiji travel is so popular, you will find that Fiji travel is popular for a number of different reasons. This is mostly because tourists are drawn to Fiji for different reasons. A few of the most common reasons why Fiji travel is so popular are outlined below."

Fiji Travel - Why It Is So Popular

Fiji Scuba Diving - About Scuba Diving in Fiji

Fiji Scuba Diving - About Scuba Diving in Fiji

"Fiji Scuba Diving Information

Fiji is famous for its beautiful terrain, tranquil sunsets, clear waters, and it's rainbow medley of soft coral. This tropical paradise has rightfully earned the nickname: 'Soft Coral Capital of the World'. No wonder snorkeling and scuba diving are popular throughout Fiji.

While diving Fiji, you'll discover over four hundred species of coral. The most famous being Dendronepthya Klunzingeri, which comes in a kaleidoscope of colors. The coral is found on reefs with moderate to strong currents and at deeper depths. With over 330 islands and 76,000 square miles of ocean, there's an abundance of coral environments for your enjoyment. You'll find drop-offs, swim-throughs, fissures, coral gardens, and the spine and groove type reefs. The reefs attract colorful and abundant marine life. See the table below."