Launch of the Duavata Conservation Leadership Programme

We trust this finds you safe and well. As we approach the end of 2020 and reflect on what has been a roller coaster of a year, we hope that you don’t mind us contacting you with a bit of a request to help us do what we do best. 

One of the silver linings of 2020 has been the number of Fijians that are connecting with their country in ways they’ve not done previously – getting their dive qualifications and learning about coral reef ecology, hiking historical trails and connecting with interior communities, rafting gorges through protected areas and learning how to build traditional bures. 

But the Fijians that are able to do this are those that are still in employment and with access to resources to be able to make the most of our beautiful country. Many thousands more are struggling to put food on the table, and spending money on tourism experiences is fairly low on their priority list. 

We know that connecting young people with nature early in life is critical for the way we view and care for our planet. We would love your help to partner with NatureFiji-MareqetiViti and our other Duavata members to do more of this in early 2021 and keep our businesses going and our guides employed at the same time.

We realise that many of you have also been impacted by the fallout from COVID-19, and that it might seem strange to you that we’re asking you to help young Fijians enjoy what many seem like a long way off for others. 

So if you can, we’d really appreciate your support as we attempt to raise around AUD $16,500. That would enable us to take 165 young conservation leaders on day trips to plant coral, support biodiversity monitoring and learn traditional sailing and thatching skills and forest regeneration. It will also help keep our teams motivated, knowing that there are people out there keen to support them. 

Whatever you may be able to give is hugely appreciated – every little counts!

We very much hope you’ll be visiting us again in 2021 so you can come and enjoy these experiences too and we can report back on the learning that your support has contributed to. 

Vinaka vakalevu in advance!

Best, Marita

https://www.duavatasustainabletourism.org/home/conservation-leadership-programme/

https://startsomegood.com/nurturing-conservation-leadership-in-fiji