Jul 17, 2008

Eco Tourism

Lush tropical rainforests, year-round sunshine, pristine coral reefs, sand-adorned shorelines and a lack of poisonous creatures make Fiji an ideal eco-tourism destination.

Seeing Fiji on a bilibili
Seeing Fiji on a bilibili

Travellers can pick from the 200 or so scattered isolated islands that offer a brimming palette of environmentally sound options.

There are six established national parks, four of which can be found on the main island of Viti Levu. There are nature reserves for bird watching, unique species of iguanas, dense tropical rainforests with variations of flora and fauna from region to region.

There are thousands of plants with unique medicinal value like the ‘uci’ which is great for aroma therapy. There’s also the beautiful Tagimaucia flower which is unique to the volcanic craters of Fiji’s third largest island Taveuni.

Each natural reserve has unique features that attract travellers from all over world. The Sigatoka sand dunes have seen excavations by scientists in search of historical artefacts. Much of the dunes still store pieces of pottery and other signs of early Fijian life which tourists stumble upon. On the island of Vatulele, known for its unique red prawns, villagers have a special ceremony that “calls” the prawns to the surface. Abaca national park and the Colo i Suva national forest are a storehouse of native vegetation.

As Fiji continues to develop, locals have become more aware of the importance of preserving the natural environment and culturally-significant sites. In doing so, they are not only protecting Fiji for future generations but also creating vital new forms of employment and revenue generation for small communities.

Locals have over the years encouraged the promotion of these wonderful assets - thus protecting their heritage and increasing employment opportunities

Eco Tourism : MyFijiGuide.com

Fiji Ecotourism Association

The Fiji Ecotourism Association (FEA) was established 10 years ago but has been non-active at times. There are approximately 60 community managed ecotourism projects to date that include accommodation, tours, National Parks, marine areas, etc, around Fiji.

The association has grown from a conservation driven organisation to now helping regional communities develop ecotourism projects and adding value through environmental education, economic contribution, community resource ownership, etc.

The major activities are marketing and promoting ecotourism programs, encouraging regional involvement, protecting environmentally sensitive areas, assisting human resource training, etc.

The association also works with some NGOs, the ecotourism unit within the Ministry of Tourism, local marine coastal areas and the USP. Future challenges for the association are monitoring current ecotourism projects, encouraging and supporting future projects.

Google Policy: Don't promote products obtained from endangered or threatened species

Policy Home > Text ads > Content > Endangered Species

Don't promote products obtained from endangered or threatened species.

Advertising is not permitted for products obtained from endangered or threatened species. This includes, but is not limited to, the sale of products derived from elephants, sharks, tigers, whales, rhinoceroses, or dolphins.

Google AdWords Help Center

================================================

From: "Deanna Yick"
Sent: Tue, 15 Jul 2008
Subject: update re: AdWords policy

Hi John,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to share the news that Google AdWords has implemented a new policy regarding endangered or threatened species, including sharks. This has been updated on our content policy page, which you can view here:
Google AdWords Help Center

Please let me know if you have any questions, and thanks again for your patience as our policy team worked through the process of evaluating and implementing this policy.

Best,
Deanna

Jul 15, 2008

Fiji (MAD) Sport Project - 14 days Adventure Trip - BootsnAll World Adventures

Trip Image

On an Intrepid (MAD) project make A Difference to a Community using the universal language of sport. When booking your trip, choose between rugby, netball, soccer, swimming or tennis coaching and take your passion for the sport to children and adults in schools and clubs at all levels. Based in Lautoka, this 14 day project is extremely rewarding and your knowledge, enthusiasm and skill can make a real difference to hundreds of people who may never have had any sports coaching in their lives. As well as coaching sessions you will also have the opportunity to train with local teams and clubs to improve you own skills and really get involved with the local community. After a hard week?s coaching Fiji you can chill out in the sea or relax on the beach in this beautiful and friendly island archipelago.

Itinerary

Day 1 Nadi/Lautoka

Arrive in Nadi to meet the rest of your group and your leader before transferring to your base in Lautoka, the second largest city in Fiji. Set against a backdrop of sugar cane fields, the town may be relatively big, but it's still laidback.

Day 2 Lautoka

Spend the day exploring Lautoka's sights and getting to know the area. It's a day of rest as well, so you'll have ample time to lounge by the pool and plan your coaching timetable with your leader.

Days 3-13 Coaching

Enjoy the daily routine of coaching as you get to know the local community and your fellow team members. Coaching timetables will depend on what sport you have selected but you will generally conduct 1-2 hour sessions, 3 times a day. Your morning and afternoon sessions will most likely be with school kids but you may find yourself pushing yourself in the evenings with local clubs.

Day 14 Nadi

Celebrate a great two weeks of coaching and new friends made - both in your team and locally. Return to Nadi where the journey comes to an end.

Fiji (MAD) Sport Project - 14 days Adventure Trip - BootsnAll World Adventures

Jul 10, 2008

Outdoor Adventure in Fiji - TripAdvisor

Ask this member a question. StuartTuiTai Lived and played in Fiji for 10 years now. Paraglide, body board and mountain bike most of Fiji!
May 1, 2006
3.0 of 5 stars based on 1 vote
This is a list of must-do activities in the Fiji Islands. To do them all you're gonna need a couple of visits
  • Explore locations featured in this goList: Sigatoka, Fiji
  • Category: Best of
  • Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Repeat visitors, Beachgoers
  • Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with teenagers, Seniors, Active/adventure, Tourists
  • Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Tags: Fiji, adventure, beach, waterfall, cruise, diving, mountain biking, snorkelling
1. Mountain bike to Bouma Waterfalls, Taveuni

Awesome rainforest scenery and a lovely dirt road to cruise along. Beautiful waterfall to swim in and cool off at the end. Also one of the most successful community conservation projects in the world!
2. Whitewater Rafting Upper Navua Gorge

In the remote highlands of Viti Levu lies one of the most unique river trips on earth. Slicing a deep chasm through the island's tropical interior, the Upper Navua River is our hidden pathway to a pristine tropical wilderness. Shrouded in lush rain forest, fed by countless waterfalls and protected by challenging rapids, the Upper Navua River is Fiji rafting at its best.
3. Body Boarding at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes

One of only a couple of beach breaks in Fiji (all the big ones are reef breaks and gnarly!). Great fun and brilliant scenery in fornt of the black and gold sand dunes. Excellent beach/driftwood photography opps.
4. Dive the Rainbow Reef, Somosomo Straits

Possibly the best diving easily avaiable to shore based divers. Be careful of the strong currents that feed all that soft coral though, not a place for pure beginners!


Outdoor Adventure in Fiji - TripAdvisor

Jul 4, 2008

Kayaking - Fiji - Northern Yasawa Islands

Fiji - 8 Days


Desert Island Dreaming
Begin this spectacular trip with a boat transfer from Lautoka to base in the Blue Lagoon and then paddle a loop among four of the northern Yasawa Islands. Spend two nights as honored guests in a traditional village and then paddle to a secluded uninhabited island to camp for one night.

Take in all the highlights – including spectacular sunsets, limestone caves, white sandy beaches surrounded by swaying coconut palms, and snorkel among exquisite coral reefs. A week away in this tropical paradise will seem like two.

Overview


Duration
8 Days
Season
May - November
Area
Northern Yasawa Islands
Nearest City
Lautoka
Trip Type
Sea Kayaking
Physical Condition Required
Fair
States/Countries Visited
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Distance Traveled
10-20km per Day
Minimum Age Limit
14
Paddling Skill Level Required
Beginners to Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
10-12
Kayaks Supplied
Doubles and Singles
Kayak Brands
Dobbe Doubles, Tasman Twins, Dusky Bay, Quality Kayaks, Dagger, Nimbus
Support Vehicles
Escort Boat on Day 1
Accommodations
Hotel before and after kayaking. Camping while kayaking. Thermarests and tents supplied.
Showers Available
Cold Water, 4 Nights
Layovers
1 Day
Transportation to Start Site
Large Twin Catamaran, Marine Certified
Dining
SSV prides themselves on the presentation, variety and taste of their meals. They use fresh fruit and vegetables, and delight in offering a wholesome menu. If you have special dietary needs, just let SSV know in advance.
About Liquor
BYOB
Additional Activities
Short day walks and snorkeling. Diving can be organized for the last morning of the trip.
Average Price Per Person
$1,675.00 Currency Converter
(Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.)
Additional Rate Info
$1925 AUD: All trip costs are per person in Australian dollars.

Note: US cost provided is only a guideline based on current exchange rates.

Rate includes all meals, except in Lautoka, twin share accommodations, local boat transfers, village and camping fees. No single surcharge unless specifically requested.

Find Out More
Check Availability | Request Info
Website
www.southernseaventures.com

Itinerary


Day 1: Pre-Trip Briefing - Overnight Hotel
Arrive Nadi. Take a taxi to the Waterfront Hotel (Lautoka). Approximate cost is $30 Fijian. Flight arrivals vary so a briefing will be held at 8:00pm at the bar of the Waterfront Hotel. If your flight arrives after this, please advise flight details so SSV can arrange an alternate time. SSV will issue watertight bags to carry your personal gear during the kayak trip and give a trip briefing for approximately an hour so it is a good idea to eat dinner before. Your guides are preparing for the trip during the day but will leave a phone number at the front desk if you have any problems. Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast the next morning are not included in the trip cost.

Day 2: Boat Transfer & Sea Kayaking
After breakfast the boat transports you approximately 72 kilometers out to Tavewa Island and the Blue Lagoon in the Yasawas. The combination of reefs, close island grouping, and shallow waters create the stunning aqua colors for which this area is famous. Your Fijian hosts will make you comfortable at their island home, providing a dining bure and grassy campsites. After customizing the kayaks and getting acquainted with expedition gear, there will be an instructional paddling session before a short excursion in the lagoon. Watching the sunset from the beach in front of the tents is a great way to end the day followed shortly after with a wholesome tropical dinner.

Day 3: Sea Kayaking
Day trip to nearby Matacawa Levu. Pack a picnic lunch and explore the uninhabited shoreline of the island looking for a good spot to snorkel. If conditions are favorable, you could visit the local school. Return to Tavewa for dinner.

Day 4: Sea Kayaking
Load the expedition craft and weather permitting, paddle 15km to Navotua. With favorable tides, you'll have lunch where fringing reefs run directly off the beach. After rounding the point of Nathula Island, head for the small village of Navotua. The villagers of Navotua are particularly friendly, and the special warmth and reception received in this village has made it SSV's favorite spot. Personal escorts will show you through nearby plantations and the village, where you can observe the making of mats and perhaps the building of a Fijian bure (hut). If the winds are too strong you will only paddle what is comfortable and then transfer to an accompanying boat to cover the remaining distance. This is a long day of paddling so a local boat is used to carry equipment and food.

Day 5: Sea Kayaking
Paddle 6-8km to Sawa-I-Lau and back, a scenic island with sharp limestone peaks and salt water caves that make for fascinating exploring. Round out the day with afternoon entertainment provided by the village and an invitation to join the chief for a social kava party in the evening. (Kava is non-alcoholic drink with mild, numbing effects.)

Day 6: Sea Kayaking
Paddle back to Tavewa, exploring the many inlets and bays of Nathula en route (15km). Time permitting, snorkel off the back of the island. Tonight, enjoy the last island dinner together, listening to the rustling of the coconut palms. Savoring the flavors of the South Pacific is a great time to reflect on the trip and dream about your next adventure!

Day 7: Boat Transfer - Overnight Hotel
An early morning snorkel is the goal - to take advantage of your last day in “paradise”. Then it is time to clean up and load up the transfer boat for the journey back to Lautoka. Arrive in Lautoka late afternoon and accommodations are at the Waterfront Hotel.

Day 8: Departure
Trip concludes. (Breakfast is not included on this day.)

Package Includes


  • All Meals Except in Lautoka
  • Twin Share Accommodations
  • Two Hotel Nights
  • Local Boat Transfers
  • Village and Camping Fees

Notes


2008 Departure Dates
May 4-11
May 18-25
June 1-8
June 15-22
June 29-July 6
Jul 13-20 Special family departure
July 6-13
July 20-27
August 3-10
August 17-24
August 31-September 7
September 14-21
September 28-October 5
October 12-19

Kayaking - Fiji - Northern Yasawa Islands

Jul 2, 2008

Matava Featured in M2 Magazine

Matava - Matava Featured in M2 Magazine

July - M2 - Issue 38

Matava was recently featured in Mel Lowen's article in M2 Magazine in New Zealand.

See pdf:

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