As the FMF Hibiscus Festival approaches, Tiare Colavoli, a 23-year-old nurse from the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, is preparing to exchange her scrubs for a queen contestant’s sash. Representing Leleuvia Island Resort, Colavoli aims to highlight the importance of marine conservation—a practice rooted in the traditional wisdom of her ancestors.
Colavoli emphasizes the value of historical climate resilience practices, such as the indigenous qoliqoli tabu, which restricted fishing in designated areas to preserve marine life and prohibited activities harmful to forests and plantations. These practices reflect a deep-seated understanding of environmental stewardship.
Her efforts align with a broader movement among festival contestants in Fiji, who are increasingly using their platforms to advocate for sustainability and community well-being. The FMF Hibiscus Festival, like the FMF Bula Festival, focuses on merging beauty with advocacy, emphasizing the role of young leaders in promoting environmental and social awareness. Contestants across these festivals have historically engaged in activities like community clean-ups, symbolizing a commitment to environmental conservation and health advocacy.
With pollution continuing to threaten ecosystems, Colavoli calls for actionable change beyond mere discussions, urging communities to collaborate for environmental protection. Her participation in the festival provides an opportunity to learn more about community involvement and advocacy, while also sharing her personal interests, such as reading and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The FMF Hibiscus Festival, much like its counterparts, remains a beacon of hope and unity, encouraging contestants and communities to uphold a shared responsibility for sustainability. Through her advocacy, Colavoli embodies the festival’s message of tradition, conservation, and proactive engagement, inspiring others to contribute to preserving Fiji’s natural beauty for future generations.
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