Fiji has achieved a significant milestone in marine conservation and sustainable ocean-based development with the inauguration of the Beqa Adventure Divers, Research and Conservation Compound in Pacific Harbour. This new facility combines sustainable tourism, scientific research, and conservation efforts under one roof, thereby enhancing Fiji’s capability to protect its marine ecosystems while also supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on healthy oceans.
The establishment of the compound was made possible through the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy Project, a collaboration involving the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Financial backing came from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the Joint SDG Fund, with the UNCDF providing $720,000 in concessional loans, encouraging a blended-finance approach aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive investment.
At the facility’s opening, Saimoni Tauvoli, Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, embraced the compound as a testament to Fij’s long-term commitment to marine protection and responsible fisheries management. He emphasized that this initiative is more than just a construction achievement; it signifies a dedicated effort toward the preservation of Fiji’s vital marine ecosystems, particularly the Shark Reef Marine Reserve. Tauvoli highlighted the importance of collaboration among government bodies, local communities, businesses, scientists, and international partners in ensuring the health of reefs, sustainable fisheries, and secure coastal livelihoods.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener praised the compound as a representation of Fiji’s advancing leadership in the blue economy, asserting its relevance beyond the Pacific region. Beqa Adventure Divers Principal Director Mike Neumann acknowledged the increased pressure on marine ecosystems during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting how the collapse of tourism led many communities to lean more heavily on fishing.
The compound is also home to the Fiji Shark Lab, the country’s first biological field station dedicated to the research, conservation, and education of sharks and rays. This integrated approach of combining tourism operations with scientific research and community involvement positions the facility to enhance Fiji’s capability in marine monitoring, biodiversity assessment, and evidence-based management of essential habitats.
Moreover, the project is associated with a wider range of blue economy initiatives throughout Fiji, including the establishment of the nation’s first dedicated blue lending facility in collaboration with the Fiji Development Bank, alongside efforts to mitigate land-based marine pollution by converting dumpsites in Fiji’s western division into sustainable waste collection centers.
This collective effort showcases a promising step towards sustainable marine practices and highlights Fiji’s impressive strides in marine conservation, ensuring the health of its oceans for future generations.
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