"Matava decided to sponsor this NatureFiji-MareqetiViti after discussions with one of the trustees, Dr Dick Watling, and realising the common interests and goals of Matava and NatureFiji-MareqetiViti" said Matava Director, Mr Stuart Gow. "It is a natural fit for us, and we have already found much common ground in our activities"
"We are currently working with
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti under the
Resorts' Conservation Values Programme to start a Sago Palm nursery at the resort in Kadavu." he continued. "We are the first resort to recognise the economic and cultural significance of the sago palm and to make a concerted effort to restore a habitat which has been allowed to disappear throughout Fiji. We hope to have this established by the middle of 2010"
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti is Fiji's only domestic NGO working solely for the conservation and sustainable management of Fiji's unique natural heritage.
They aim to generate enthusiasm and local expertise in all matters associated with wildlife conservation and management through raising the level of conservation and environmental awareness and education mission is to enhance biodiversity and habitat conservation, endangered species protection and sustainable use of natural resources of the Fiji Islands through the promotion of collaborative conservation action, awareness raising, education, research and biodiversity information exchange.
"We are delighted to welcome
Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort to our list of Corporate Sponsors." said Ms Nunia Thomas, Conservation Coordinator of
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti . "It has long been our aim to partner with the Tourism industry and Matava is an ideal first partner and sponsor in this regard. We look forward to working with them on our Pilot Project for replanting the critically endangered Sago Palms in a resort environment."
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti's Resorts' Conservation Values Programme
Most resorts are usually unaware of the conservation values and potential of their island, landholdings, immediate surrounds etc. Some have great potential to manage and develop these both for conservation purposes and visitor interest. They also have a captive market for involvement and fund raising.
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti can help these resorts identify the Conservation Values of the resorts and hotels with an outline of what management requirements are applicable and practical. This service is offered on an expenses only basis and most of Fiji's leading terrestrial and marine ecologists have agreed to participate in this programme.
"With the addition of this sponsor partnership we hope to further assist
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti in its resort and conservation programmes" continued Mr Gow. "We hope to get further involved specifically with the search for the
The Fiji petrel. It is thought that as well as on Gau, that this rare endemic bird may nest on Kadavu ".
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti is Fiji's only domestic NGO working solely for the conservation and sustainable management of Fiji's unique natural heritage. They aim to generate enthusiasm and local expertise in all matters associated with wildlife conservation and management through raising the level of conservation and environmental awareness and education.
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti's mission is to enhance biodiversity and habitat conservation, endangered species protection and sustainable use of natural resources of the Fiji Islands through the promotion of collaborative conservation action, awareness raising, education, research and biodiversity information exchange.
