Page 23 - Fiji Traveller Issue 2

Rafting the upper Navua

It was not my most dignified moment. to stop for photos and for cooling swims, along the route. A
Instead of ‘leaning in’, I leaned back, and quickly found myself simple and delicious lunch is provided on the river bank, with
waist deep in the rapids of the Navua river. the environment, fresh cool air, company and general sense of
Fortunately, nothing was hurt except my pride. And our guide feeling incredibly blessed to be in a such a special place, making
was very quick to haul me back into our raft, pulling me up like a everything taste and smell better.
very big, embarrassed fish. In Nadi recently, Rivers Fiji Director, Kasi Taukeinikoro, spoke
Rafting the upper Navua River is an incredible experience, to the values that underpin his venture. In an address to his
and even if you are a bit inept like me, a safe and comfortably- industry, delivered with quiet power and depth, he observed that
challenging one. “tourism done well can reinforce cultural practices and promote
The day starts at Deuba, where our group met to pile into the the preservation of traditional knowledge.”
funky Rivers Fiji bus, to drive to the upper reaches of the river. He shared a vision for tourism “that is shaped by our own
Then, before walking down to the river bank, we stopped for a values of community, of buying crafts from Fijian artists, food
talk about the conservation values at the heart of the enterprise. from neighbouring farms, serving local dishes, allowing visitors
Rivers Fiji, in concert with landowning groups, logging to see beyond the big bula smile and get a deeper understanding
companies and the Native Land Trust Board (now iTaukei Land of our country.”
Trust Board), established the Upper Navua Conservation Area in The Rivers Fiji experience provides that and more. The more?
2000. It is a 17-kilometer conservation corridor that excludes any Nothing (even repeated viewing of Eco-Challenge Fiji) prepared
logging or gravel extraction. me for the moment we rounded a bend in the river and entered
In return, Rivers Fiji compensates the landowners through a chasm, with sheer rock walls on both sides of the river. It
lease payments, user fees, and job opportunities as guides and was, quite literally, breathtaking, and something I will remember
in other roles. forever.
This ensures guides with deep experience and connection to
the land and river, and wonderous biological diversity, which you riversfiji.com
experience from the moment you lower yourself into your raft.
You’ll spy dense and diverse jungle, and numerous waterfalls Words: Samantha Magick
and rockpools along the way. There are many opportunities Photo: Zoomfiji

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