Bamboo Building: Fiji’s Path to Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Revival

Sukulu Soko, a prominent advocate for bamboo in Fiji, emphasizes the crucial link between traditional knowledge and sustainable tourism in the country. Drawing from his experience over the last 15 years, Soko highlights the necessity for proper training in understanding these connections. He critiques the reliance on concrete for building, noting that such structures often fail to ensure durability, much like the crumbling state of tourism infrastructure that does not reflect the environmental and cultural richness of Fiji.

As the founder and director of Sunnyville Bamboo, Soko encourages a shift toward utilizing bamboo in construction, advocating for its eco-friendliness and resilience. He points out that bamboo, as a readily available resource in Fiji, can even reinforce concrete structures, enhancing longevity and reducing reliance on non-renewable materials. This perspective aligns with ongoing efforts within Fiji to leverage local resources sustainably, particularly in the wake of initiatives like the Fiji Bamboo Project, aimed at promoting bamboo for housing and infrastructure.

Soko calls for a departure from conventional cubic architecture in favor of more fluid, arched designs that pay homage to traditional Fijian bure structures. By advocating for these changes, he hopes to foster not only the sustainable use of bamboo but also a broader integration of cultural heritage into modern building practices.

His commitment to bamboo underscores the plant’s potential not only for environmental sustainability but also as a catalyst for economic development. This aligns with broader discussions around Fiji’s future, as the nation looks to balance developmental growth with ecological preservation. Through initiatives that highlight the multifaceted uses of bamboo, the prospect of a climate-resilient and economically robust community becomes increasingly attainable.

As Fiji embraces its maritime identity and cultural richness, the integration of bamboo in tourism and construction could pave the way for innovative practices that respect both the environment and local traditions, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.