Fiji
| country: | Fiji |
| location: | Lomaiviti |
| departures: | 2009: 11 Nov |
| price: | From £2100 - £2500 (4-6 weeks) excluding flights. Price includes food, accommodation, diving, dive gear hire, science training and transfers to island. Stays up to 30 weeks can be arranged. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Fiji
Travel with an award-winning organisation, highly commended at the 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Responsible Travel Awards for its marine conservation work. This is an invaluable opportunity to learn and enjoy spectacular diving whilst taking part in a pioneering environmental conservation project based at one of the most beautiful locations in the world.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and all ages to join our expeditions. Volunteers with no diving experience are trained at our project site to PADI certification level (Advanced Open Water or higher) and all volunteers are trained by our scientific staff in marine research and on-the-ground conservation.
Small groups (max 12) volunteers from all over the world work side-by-side with international scientists, the University of the South Pacific, local NGO ‘Partners in Community Development’ and community members whose livelihoods depend on healthy coral reef ecosystems for survival. Expeditions usually last six weeks, but longer and shorter stays can be arranged.
Through daily dives, our volunteers and scientists collect critical data on marine species and habitats which will be used to develop a Marine Protected Area and similar conservation strategies.
Along with project work, there are opportunities for recreational diving and snorkelling, exploring nearby islands, playing rugby against local teams or enjoying a good book in a hammock overlook the beach and blue waters. Accommodation is in traditional ‘bures’ (thatched huts) and meals are of local fish, rice and vegetables.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and all ages to join our expeditions. Volunteers with no diving experience are trained at our project site to PADI certification level (Advanced Open Water or higher) and all volunteers are trained by our scientific staff in marine research and on-the-ground conservation.
Small groups (max 12) volunteers from all over the world work side-by-side with international scientists, the University of the South Pacific, local NGO ‘Partners in Community Development’ and community members whose livelihoods depend on healthy coral reef ecosystems for survival. Expeditions usually last six weeks, but longer and shorter stays can be arranged.
the project
The island of Leleuvia, in the ‘Heart of Fiji’ has the white sands and coconut palms of a tropical paradise as well as beautiful, rich coral reefs boasting diverse and colourful fish populations with charismatic species such as turtles and reef sharks. The welcoming communities of nearby Moturiki work closely with us in their development of sustainable alternative livelihoods and environmental education for adults and children. Through daily dives, our volunteers and scientists collect critical data on marine species and habitats which will be used to develop a Marine Protected Area and similar conservation strategies.
Along with project work, there are opportunities for recreational diving and snorkelling, exploring nearby islands, playing rugby against local teams or enjoying a good book in a hammock overlook the beach and blue waters. Accommodation is in traditional ‘bures’ (thatched huts) and meals are of local fish, rice and vegetables.
a day in a life of a volunteer
Volunteers will dive daily to monitor colourful, complex reefs and the fish populations they support. In the afternoon and evenings volunteers can get involved in some of the start-up projects in the communities of Moturiki, deliver environmental education programmes to local schools, try their hand at coral farming, explore neighbouring islands, play rugby or beach volleyball. Dinner is usually fresh fish from the day’s catch (special dietary requirements can be catered for) after which volunteers can enjoy sunset on a white sandy beach or relax in a hammock.volunteer travel - what's it all about?
Are you looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world’s most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer trips are for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world. Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'.
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2008 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Daily Telegraph, World Travel Market, Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society, and BBC World News. Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment
Our volunteer expeditions are focussed on the collection of meaningful data which is used to develop sustainable local environmental management plans for the unique reef systems. These plans focus on improving the quality of life of the local communities who depend on these marine resources, while maintaining the biological diversity and productivity of the reefs. In Lelevia, volunteers will be conducting research never done in this area before and is vital to demonstrate the value of the marine resources to the islands of Lomaiviti as well as the main Fijian island of Viti Levu and the need for their protection. Every effort is made to minimise the environmental impact of our expeditions. Volunteers are requested to bring only bio-degradable products, and energy use is renewable whenever possible. Community Our expedition teams are led by experienced divers, scientists and international researchers and will also benefit from the support of senior academics at the University of the South Pacific. Volunteers work with local communities on all of the expedition projects, the projects have been established in collaboration with the local NGO -Partners in Community Development, Fiji. This collaboration ensures that the work of our expedition team is sensitive to local traditions and volunteers have the opportunity to experience local culture and customs. The expedition camp is owned and built by Fijian people and our expeditions create employment opportunities in the area. This project and volunteer contributions raise funds to help train local people and Fijian Marine Biology students to scuba dive and learn scientific research methods that will give them opportunities to work within this field. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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