Savusavu, Fiji: the Perfect Ecofriendly Escape

Formed of approximately 333 islands and set in the South Pacific, Fiji is a country full of welcomes, happiness and experiences that will last a lifetime. When looking for destinations that are conscious of the environment the town of Savusavu, situated in Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, is a key location.

Ideal for travellers who wish to be mindful of the ecosystem whilst still making the most of their holiday, the town is set in the Fijian Province of Cakaudrove and is known as “the hidden paradise of Fiji.” Set in beautiful surroundings, with a protected bay that is popular for mooring yachts, Savusavu will not only capture hearts but also imaginations, as it is said to once be the home to swashbuckling high-seas; tales locals will happily tell.

Fiji and Fijians are incredibly environmentally conscious and take immense pride in protecting and giving something back to their environment. Savusavu has an incredible list of eco-tourism destinations for visitors to enjoy and one of the key eco destinations in Savusavu is The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.

Named after ocean explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau, the resort is dedicated to the preservation of a pristine environment where physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation come naturally.  Full of amazing attractions such as its renowned Dive Centre and stunning Medicinal & Organic Gardens, alongside this, the resort runs its Giant Clam Project, a program which is dedicated to restocking and repopulating the coral reef dwellers.

The resort also partners with the Savusavu Community Foundation which is dedicated to the local Fijian community around Savusavu and focuses on health, medical and education needs of the community. The resort acts as a fundraiser and sources and coordinates projects on the ground for the foundation.

It also works to protect the Namena Marine Reserve, participates in a mangrove reforestation program, and built Fiji’s first-ever water reclamation plant.

Further insight on maintaining the preservation of the surrounding marine ecosystem is available from Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort’s own full-time marine biologist, Johnny Singh. Active in outreach and education, Singh also leads numerous snorkelling and dive trips, as well as ecological endeavours that include coral farming and reef surveys – all part of the resorts extensive selection of interactive programs designed to make any stay a treasured experience.

For those wishing to see nature at work and experience the journey of pearls, which start as tiny nucleuses and end up as fine jewellery in some of the world’s best showrooms there is the J. Hunter Pearls Fiji Farm Tour.  A 45 minute cruise, visitors will be able to see pearl oysters at different stages of growth. Those who take part in the cruise will learn how the farm produces some of the world’s rarest pearls, which are coveted by pearl connoisseurs around the world.

Savusavu is also known as the soft coral capital of the world, offering the picture postcard seascapes that Fiji is known for. Diving with the Koro Sun Dive is an ideal opportunity to explore the reef and the company offer numerous different dive sites, such as the famous Namena Marine Reserve, Rainbow Reef and White Wall.

Tourism Fiji has produced a film narrated by ocean explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau to showcase the hard work that the industry is doing to protect and conserve their islands.  Featuring the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands, the rainforests and mangrove farms of Fiji and including Savusavu, it is an awe-inspiring video that highlights Fiji as a sustainable holiday destination where visitors come and make a difference.  To download this video please click here.

Now easier than ever to reach, Fiji Airways provides flights from Singapore and San Francisco to Fiji. Fiji Airways also connects with flights from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Los Angeles, so holidaymakers from the UK will need to change at one of these destinations.  Korean Air also offers some fantastic rates via Seoul.

For more information on Fiji please visit www.fiji.travel.

Photos: Jim Knowlton Ocean Future Society. © Jim Knowlton / Ocean Futures Society.