Fiji is reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism through the newly inaugurated Counting Coral Sculptural Coral Gene Bank at Castaway Island Resort. This initiative, launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka, showcases a collaborative effort between the resort and the U.S.-based non-profit organization Counting Coral to protect and restore the country’s marine ecosystems.
During the launch, Gavoka highlighted the importance of such projects, stating that they provide a blueprint for the nation’s growth and sustainability, embodying the principles outlined in the National Development Plan and the National Sustainable Tourism Framework. He emphasized that this initiative is more than just a conservation effort; it represents a legacy and a commitment to future generations.
The coral gene bank is designed to house 420 parent coral species, including unique varieties and “super corals,” that will serve as a foundation for the rehabilitation of damaged reef ecosystems. As these corals thrive, fragments can be harvested to create new coral parks, thereby significantly contributing to biodiversity restoration in Fiji’s waters.
General Manager of Castaway Island Resort, Steven Andrews, reiterated the resort’s dedication to environmental stewardship, stating, “Our island home is not just a place of beauty; it is a living ecosystem that sustains us.” This sentiment reflects the deep-rooted connection that local communities have with their environment.
Counting Coral’s founder, Jolyon Collier, stressed the urgent need for continued conservation efforts, pointing out the gradual decline of coral reefs due to human activity, climate change, and overfishing. He hopes that initiatives like this will ensure that future generations inherit thriving marine ecosystems.
This initiative is the third such gene bank installed in Fiji, reinforcing the nation’s role as a global leader in marine conservation. The success of the Counting Coral Gene Bank at Castaway Island Resort, and similar projects at Blue Lagoon Resort and Vomo Island Resort, illustrates a hopeful future where sustainable tourism and environmental protection can coexist harmoniously, enriching the lives of local communities while preserving the natural beauty of Fiji’s marine resources.
The synergistic relationship between tourism, community involvement, and environmental conservation underscores the potential for Fiji to not only protect its unique ecosystems but also to inspire similar efforts globally.
Leave a comment