Waitabu Marine Park Blog

Last week we had one of supporters and friends, Helen Sykes comes to visit and go on a snorkel trip. Great snorkel trip in the Park This time she brought along her sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Larry all the way from Colorado Springs in Colorado USA. Helen and Christine’s late father Derek Sykes and his Lancaster Rotary Club in the UK funded the solar power in the MArine Park building, and supplied a portable solar light to each of the houses in Waitabu before solar was available on Taveuni. Derek and the Rotary Club picture hangs in the Marine Park office. A sevusevu welcoming Larry and Christine Walker, sister and brother-in-law of Helen Sykes, and daughter and son-in-law of Derek Sykes and to the village.  Vuvale  (family) is very important in the Fijian traditions and culture. The group had a good trip out to the Marine Park and snorkeled in the main cut ...

As part of the Fund Raising for TC Winston earlier this year, a portion of the funds were used for the long term cyclone preparedness for this up coming year in the form of  d.light A1 Solar Lanterns  for everyone. These were the final payments used from the the funds in the  Friends of Waitabu TC Winston Appeal . A total of 240  d.light A1 Solar Lanterns   were distributed to Waitabu communities thanks to the generosity of  the  Friends of Waitabu TC Winston Appeal . How they were distributed 2 per house 1 for every student in high school total of 10 students 2 for the hall 2 for church 3 box for Vurevure and Wai settlements 3 box will be sold out to nearby community for village funds

Helen Sykes, one of our long time supporters and friends, came to visit and go on a snorkel trip and here is some video from that visit. This time she brought along her sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Larry all the way from Colorado Springs in Colorado USA. #WaitabuFiji #FijiNow #PureTaveuni

Happy Birthday to the man who started both H and I on our journey into the natural world we live our lives with our conservation and eco principles... Sir David Attenborough, the voice of nature.

This national park protects over 80% of Taveuni's total area, covering about 150 sq km (57 sq mi) of rainforest and coastal forest. The park includes the three Tavoro Waterfalls near the falls' visitor centre, each with natural swimming pools. The first waterfall is about 24m (78ft) high and only 10 minutes' walk along a flat cultivated path.  The second waterfall, 30 or 40 minutes along, is a bit smaller but also has a good swimming pool. The track is quite steep in places but has steps, handrails and lookout spots to rest. If you are a keen walker, try the Vidawa Rainforest Trail.  Location Bouma National Heritage Park  ,  Fiji  Telephone +679 867 7311  More information www.boumafiji.com Read more:  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/fiji/bouma-national-heritage-park/sights/parks-gardens/bouma-national-heritage-park#ixzz3uGVpBa1N

This area has decent snorkelling and a gorgeous white-sand beach. It is only possible to visit with a guide. Waitabu village has set up a half-day tour ($60 per person) that includes a guide, snorkelling, a bilibili (lashed bamboo raft) ride, and afternoon tea. There’s also a Backpackers’ Tour ($40 per person) with guided snorkelling. You must book in advance; trips depend on daily tides. You can arrange to sleep at the campground (own tent/hired $15/20); contact them for homestay options. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/fiji/bouma-national-heritage-park/activities/theme-parks-attractions/waitabu-marine-park#ixzz3uGRXk4WX Waitabu Marine Park - Lonely Planet

Kun Ma, a student intern from Inner Mongolia, China, spent 6 weeks in Fiji in October and November 2014. Kun spent 2 weeks in Suva, assisting with data entry for the  Great Fiji Shark Count  , then travelled to the island of Taveuni where she lived with villagers in Waitabu village for 4 weeks, carrying out projects related to the sustainable management of the  Waitabu Marine Park . Kun was a great favourite in the village, spending the entire 4 weeks with her host families, and dazzling them with the sari she had bought to wear in Suva for the  Hindu New Year (Diwali) , at her farewell dinner. Waitabu welcomes a Student Intern from Inner Mongolia, China :