Environment

By Prerna Priyanka A new book from photographer and marine biologist, Tom Vierus, offers readers a unique perspective on the symbiotic relationship between shark protection, local economic benefits and community involvement. What began as an academic journey evolved into a five-year odyssey, culminating in the creation of a captivating book that unravels the mysteries of […]

By Sanjeshni Kumar, Pasifika Environews In the lush forests of Fiji, the Red-throated Lorikeet (Charmosyna amabilis), known locally as the Kulawai, was once a familiar sight. This small, shy bird, easily distinguished by its striking red throat and vibrant green plumage, flitted among the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau, and Taveuni. But today, […]

By Prerna Priyanka Fiji’s Ahura Resorts has been at the forefront of taking steps to protect the Fiji Crested Iguana, a critically endangered species. Samantha Muspratt, Director of Sales and Marketing at Ahura Resorts, recalls, “In 2010, one of our workers found an injured iguana.” “This led to the discovery of the Malolo iguana, thought to […]

A visionary’s oasis in Nadi’s heart By Prerna Priyanka Nestled in the embrace of the Sleeping Giant Mountain range, Bulaccino’s 30-acre farm in Nadi is not just a picturesque scene, but a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Eileen Chute. From fruit orchards to hardwood forests, medicinal plants to a tilapia pond, […]

A passion project taking the Rotuman diaspora by storm By Donna Hoerder What started as a passion project for two cousins is creating a flurry of interest for many other Rotumans. Especially the Rotuman diaspora who can relate to the challenges and expense of visiting Rotuma, an island 400 miles northwest of the capital Suva, […]

By Samisoni Pareti Located on the northwest tip of Vanuabalavu, Lau, tiny limestone islets— many of them looking more like boulders –litter the bay to make up this natural wonder. The limestone rocks are secure anchors, and the many narrow channels and sheltered coves form natural anchorage and berthing bays for yachts, motorboats and other […]

By Prerna Priyanka In a captivating intersection of art, environmental awareness, and cultural storytelling, Mere Nailatikau and Amer Kanngieser are set to launch their groundbreaking exhibition, “Oceanic Refractions.” The exhibition, which originated from a serendipitous encounter in Suva five years ago, promises a unique sensory experience that delves into the Pacific’s environmental challenges through the […]

In Fiji, a group of 15 dedicated women has been doing their part to create a circular economy by turning plastic trash into cash. Based in the coastal village of Galoa, the Bulikula Women’s Plastics Group was formed four years ago.  With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), […]

By Kalinga Seneviratne I arrived in Samoa for a recent long weekend not knowing what to expect. For a start, my flight from Nadi touched down at 1:00am at the Apia international airport. I was surprised to see the immigration officers and other airport staff looking fresh and the taxi stand outside was also a […]

By Anirban Mahapatra After almost an hour of navigating through lagoons flanking the southern coastline of Kadavu island, the dive boat finally reaches a rocky channel that provides a way out of the submerged mountain walls of the Great Astrolabe Reef. As it cautiously steers around barnacled boulders strong enough to breach battleships, the colour […]

Discovering the Nabukavesi River By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Nature Fiji-MareqetiViti’s ‘Meandering Mates’ adventure for children and their families in the highlands of Namosi is a window to understanding the area’s rich biodiversity, and how it is under threat. The organisation’s vision is for a healthy environment that maintains its diversity of species, habitats, ecological integrity, and […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Kila Eco-Adventure Park is a destination that caters for thrill seekers as well as visitors who prefer gentle strolls and immersing themselves in Namosi’s verdant rainforest. The adventure park boasts luscious green vegetation, botanical gardens, mini waterfalls, picnic bures, a thrilling obstacle course, eco-walks, and a zip line. It is owned and […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti When your parents are passionate about the environment and you are surrounded by unspoiled scenery, it is easy to appreciate what the land, the ocean, and its custodians have to offer. Lara Meliki Vokai was born into the hospitality industry; her family’s business, Nukubati – Great Sea Reef off Vanua Levu, is […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Tuna, a vital “blue food,” could be the answer to the Pacific’s growing challenge of food security. In an effort to highlight the significance of tuna as a source of protein in Pacific diets, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Community (SPC) have organised the “Tuna Bites“ campaign, […]

What more can be done and what can we do better? These were the questions posed by Akshay Singh, during his Ted talk in Nadi last February.  Originally from New Delhi, India, Singh has played a key role in advancing sustainable tourism throughout the Pacific – in the Cook Islands, PNG and Fiji.  “My greatest […]

By Ariela Zibiah. Photos: Zoomfiji The Namosi Eco Retreat, nestled in a remote part of Fiji, is a get-away in all senses of the word. The sky feels bigger, the milky way appears to be at arm’s length, the air is crisp, and you are completely off grid, creating a feeling of being cocooned in […]

By Anne Moorhead Recently I arrived back in Fiji after nearly two years away. One of the first changes I noticed, on the drive from Nadi to Suva, was the proliferation of the African tulip tree. It’s a beautiful tree, with huge scarlet flowers – hence its introduction a few decades ago as a garden […]