Waitabu Marine Park Blog

Waitabu Marine Park , in the Vanua Bouma of Taveuni Island, is one of the original community-based marine managed areas in Fiji. Started in 1998, Waitabu’s no-take, or “Tabu Vakdua” area, was one of the founder members of the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas (FLMMA)network in 2001. Protected for 15 years, the Tabu Vakadua area is now rich in fish, coral and invertebrate life, and the community has recently started a new project; a temporary closure known as a “Tabu Tara”. The concept of the Tabu Tara is to close an area of reef neighbouring the long-term Tabu Vakadua, allow marine life to increase in the newly closed area, and then to open it for short term specific harvests. In this way it is hoped to create a form of sustainable “farming” of marine resources, with regular cropping. Sea Cucumbers SeaCucumbers have been a trade item in Fiji for 200 years. Unfortunately, in recent times, advancing technology such as SCUBA and Hookah underwater breathing equipment has allo...

Rückschau: Fidschi Rettung für Korallenriffs Sendeanstalt und Sendedatum: SWR, Sonntag, 22. November 2009 Weltweit lässt der Klimawandel die Meerestemperaturen steigen mit einem verheerenden Kollateralschaden: Die Korallenriffe sterben langsam ab. So auch auf den Fidschi-Inseln im südpazifischen Meer. Das kleine Dorf Waitabu stemmte sich als erste Gemeinde auf den Fidschis gegen die Folgen: Die vorgelagerten Riffe wurden als Naturschutzgebiete ausgewiesen, Touristen und Taucher dürfen nur nach einer ökologischen Einführung zu den Korallen, Fischer müssen ihre Fangtechniken umweltverträglich machen. Seitdem erholen sich die temperatur- und stressempfindlichen Korallen wieder sichtbar. Über 200 Dörfer sind inzwischen dem Beispiel von Waitabu gefolgt und haben Schutzgebiete angelegt – mit der Hoffnung, dass ein gesundes Riff der Erwärmung der Meere zumindest länger standhält. Bildunterschrift: Korallenriff ] Anflug auf den In...

Looking back: Fiji Rescue for coral reefs   Broadcasting and broadcast: SWR, Sunday, 22 November 2009 Worldwide climate change affects ocean temperatures to rise slowly with a devastating collateral damage: The coral reefs die. The small village Waitabu braced himself as the first community in Fiji against the consequences: The reefs have been designated as nature reserves, tourists and scuba divers may only after an environmental introduction to the corals, fishermen have to make their environmentally friendly fishing techniques. About 200 villages are now followed the example of Waitabu and have created protected zones - with the hope that a healthy reef can withstand the warming of the seas, at least longer. They are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, they feed people, protect coastlines and bring countries such as Fiji lot of money by tourists. But in a few decades, scientists fear they could be dead. Here below is the work of Helen Sykes. The cor...

Waitabu Marine Park Knowledgeable local guides lead visitors to the Taveuni reef conservation project . This is an ideal opportunity for keen snorkellers to get a taste of what has made Taveuni Island the ‘soft coral capital of the world’. Taveuni Estates - Own your piece of island paradise - Freehold island real estate in Fiji

Waitabu Marine Park - Waitabu Marine Park - Taveuni Island: Dive or snorkle Fiji's coral reefs to see a myriad of colorful fish, like this Clown Triggerfish. Waitabu Marine Park, off the north coast of Taveuni Island, contains a Marine Protected Area ideal for snorkeling. This park resulted form an agreement of 7 Fijian communities not to fish or anchor in a 1km section of Taveuni's fringing reef. Guided snorkeling tours including snorkeling equipment, refreshments, local musicians and a ride on a Bilibili, a traditional Fijian raft bring a small amount of tourism income to the community of Waitabu. The trip is best done around a morning high tide Established in 1998, the park has already produced dramatic results. Yearly, the community of Waitabu conducts marine surveys according to the Reef Check survey guidelines with the assistance of a local tropical marine biologist. Taveuni Weddings, Fiji Wedding Packages, Fiji Weddings, Taveuni Weddings, Beach Weddings

Traveler Reviews of Waitabu Marine Park Taveuni Island Great snorkelling trip and village visit from StuartTuiTai on 2008-10-12 Thouroughly enjoyed my time at Waitabu. We arrived at 9am and spent a couple of hours snorkeling in the marine park at Waitabu with local guides who knew their stuff. We were poled up to the... Waitabu Marine Park, Taveuni Island, Fiji Reviews - TravelPod

Waitabu Marine Park & Campground Rate It Address: Near Vidawa village, about a 30-minute-drive southeast of Matei, Bouma National Heritage Park, Taveuni Phone: 888-0451 www.bnhp.org Category: Tours Location: Taveuni Fodor's Review: At Waitabu Marine Park & Campground you can swim and snorkel over a fringing reef that has been a marine-protected area (MPA) since 1998, when the Waitabu people and other villages agreed to stop over-fishing. There are guided snorkeling tours using bilibili or traditional bamboo rafts followed by tea and music on the beach. A cheaper option does not include rafts or tea. The campground offers 12 tent sites near the water's edge, and communal cooking and bathroom facilities. It's slightly north of Vidawa village on the coast. Cost: $40 with raft and tea, $20 without. Camping $10 per person per night Waitabu Marine Park & Campground Review | Taveuni | Fodor...

Waitabu Marine Park This area of Taveuni has been awarded the “International British Airways Eco-Tourism Award". White sand beaches, great snorkeling, bilibili rafts, Fijian village life and much more... This half day excursion will begin with a beautifully scenic drive to the Eastern side of the island. Upon arrival at Waitabu Village you will be welcomed into village life over morning tea that has been prepared by the village women. You will take a most memorable raft trip up the river on a traditional bilibili raft. Extremely knowledgeable, trained guides will snorkel with you to point out and explain the amazing marine life that is found in this area. You will have time to enjoy the excellent snorkeling or just relax on the beach or spend time learning more about Fijian culture from your friendly village guide. Afternoon tea and a kava drinking ceremony accompanied by local island music will be served before returning to Taveuni Palms. Please kindly note that you dress modestl...

Oh it was just awesome....hearing the sound of the waves as you sleep in the night, seeing the beautiful stars in the sky and being greated by the beautiful view of the early morning sunrise. I would not ask for anything more... Waitabu is the place to be if you are looking for a village experience. You can get a chance to meet the locals with their friendly smiles, drink kava and learn a few fijian dance twists from the village entertainers. Above all you can swim in one Fiji's known marine park. It's just one of a kind experience to go on which definatly you will enjoy. I loved the morning walk on the beach - Review of Waitabu Marine Park and Campground, Taveuni Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Waitabu camp-grounds is an absolute delight. From the moment I stepped into the visitor center, I knew there was nothing to be missed from home. During my week long stay at the campsite, I had the opportunity to have a taste of real Fijian cuisine from Waci-poki made out of Taro leaves, pumpkin leaves in coconut milk (was a favorite) to fresh lobster made in a special Waitabu sauce. Of course all these dishes were accompanied by the usual fresh root crops either taro, cassava or wild yams. There are self-cooking facilities in the kitchen but what better way to experience Fijian food then to taste some made by them in their special ways. The tents were spacious and comfortable and it is an experience not be missed to wake up to see the sun rising from the comfort of my air-bed and inside the tent!. Truly a magical experience. Swimming in and amongst the vast array of tropical marine life was truly a blessing. The rich color of branching and boulder corals in the Marine Park reflecte...

Waitabu Marine Park Tour Tour Description: Waitabu Marine Park is a reef conservation success story. Visitors experience excellent snorkelling to see the transformation made to the marine life since the establishment of the park in 1998. Trained guides will snorkel with the tour and will point out and explain interesting sites. The half-day (5 hour Fijian time) trip should NOT be missed during your visit to Taveuni. Note this trip is subject to weather & tides. If the sea conditions are unsuitable the trip will be cancelled or postponed. Costs — FD $50 pp — Trip suitable for visitors aged 12 years and over Cost includes: — Snorkelling equipment — ' Bilibili ', Fijian raft ride — Local guides with intimate understanding of the natural area — Morning or afternoon tea & village refreshments, prepared by the women of the Waitabu Village What to Bring: — Sandals or running shoes for the lunch — Swimwear & cameras — Water bottle & sunscreen — Hat & sung...

Waitabu Marine Park ( Full Day Adventure ) Swim and snorkel in the Waitabu Marine Park. Experience the beauty of marine life in abundance as all marine parks should be. We protect it. During fish feeding time, sight of fish in a frenzy during meal time is awesome. Diving Fiji Scuba Vacation : Diving Taveuni : Taveuniadventures.com

MARITIME - Waitabu marks marine park anniversary www.fijidailypost.com - 6-Jun-2008 Sai's Comment: - This is a great example of how naive Fijians could also contribute to preserving their environment while generating some earnings from their natural resources. Am proud to have met people involved in the Waitabu project when in NZ from the contributions of the NZ government. Am more proud to learn that my island of Yacata have just recently also designated a part of the fishery around the island as a marine reserve. Great effort and leadership by those on the island. TWENTY years ago the villagers of Waitabu on the north-eastern coast of Taveuni would never give a second thought about their reefs or what dwelled on their shores. They walk on the reefs breaking the corals and take home whatever they can eat no matter how small they are.There was heavy algal or seaweed growth because there was no more fish to feed on it.The state of the Waitabu village coast was so pathetic that at ...

February came and it was time again for the Marine Ecology team to head out to Waitabu village for their annual biological monitoring of the Waitabu Marine Park. This year’s survey was both fun and quite successful. Despite the slightly few wet days at the beginning of the week, spirits remained alive through the week and we completed all surveys as per schedule. Helen and I were joined by Rosemary Dautei from Reef Safari’s , Rachel Dacks, Nic Turrentine, Natalie Parker, John Leonard, Leslie Currie and Grace Yeung (posted in the village) of Peace Corps Fiji. To be part of the week long activities was an experience for them and an opportunity for us to exchange ideas and share experiences.  The village team of 11 volunteers were disciplined; excellent surveyors who definitely knew their stuff. Together we made a really dynamic team out of the Peace Corps , village surveyors and me, most of the time making sure we were doing it right. All this went on while Helen counted fish a...