Waitabu Marine Park Blog

ICE Interns build and place 20 new fish houses at Waitabu

The Waitabu Marine Park was established in 1998 in an agreement of over 7 Fijian communities not to fish or anchor in the 1 km of selected fringing reef. Aside from the small tourism business this Marine Protected Area (MPA) has for the community of Waitabu , who owns and operates it , it has also provided a first hand example of the power of conservation, generating larger fish catches and increased bio diversity in the surrounding waters The Waitabu Marine Park offers 2 guided tours. the " Cultural Experience Tour " with a "Bilibili" ride (traditional raft), a guided snorkelling tour with tea and refreshments while being serenaded by local musicians they also offer a "Backpackers Tour" with a guided boat trip and guided snorkeling trips. Waitabu Marine Park and Campground Fiji Islands Taveuni

Waitabu Community Meaning “ forbidden water ”, Waitabu is a small Catholic community of 30 families led by chief or Tui Nasau. Within the main clan of Waitabu there are three mataqalis, or families. Families work hard to send their children to school and spend a majority of their income on tuition. The main source of income in the region is the farming of Taro (a local root crop) and Yaqona (producing the local kava drink). From Eta, Waitabu Park Manager: “We have a wonderful cultural experience where you can meet the friendly Fijian people of Waitabu village. Come and enjoy a traditional Bilibili raft ride out to the reef, snorkel in the un-spoilt marine park and then come back to a delicious freshly prepared tea. You can even chose to participate in the traditional Kava ceremony with home grown Waitabu Kava and learn a traditional Fijian Meke (dance)” Fijian Meke, Photo: Naushad Yakua Community Culture