Venue: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
Na Turaga iTaukei ni Vanua Conua, Navikabuta and Noi Weredruga,
Chief Representative of the Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement Fiji,
General Manager, Guests and Staff of the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort,
Tourism stakeholders,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bula vinaka, Cola Vina and a very good morning to you all
I am delighted to be here with the Coral Coast Community and tourism operators to mark World Tourism Day in a special way. This year the theme is “Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development” and what better way to show Fiji’s commitment to sustainable development, by planting corals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You may recall, that in June this year we planted mangroves on the Shangri-La beachfront, and today we are happy to partner once again with the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement Fiji (OISCA), Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association in this Coral Planting initiative.
I would also like to commend our hosts, the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort for the hard work put in coordinating this event.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We must acknowledge with gratitude the participation of the local community and the presence of the three Turaga iTaukei ni Vanua Conua, Navikabuta and Noi Weredruga, whose collective seven Yavusas hold traditional fishing rights over the lagoon, where this Coral Planting initiative is taking place.
And we thank the guests of the Outrigger Beach Resort and especially the youth who are part of the Teen Programme for their active interest and participation. And I request that you continue efforts towards sustainable growth wherever you may go.
The Fijian Government believes in ensuring that our future generations are able to enjoy the same environment, as we are enjoying today.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today is World Tourism Day – a day celebrated throughout the world to raise awareness of the contribution of tourism to sustainable development.
This year’s celebration is complementing the United Nations’ “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development” and the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this regard, the coral planting activity that we will undertake shortly supports SDGs 14 and 17. These goals relate to healthy marine ecosystems and strengthening Public-Private Partnership to achieve sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coastal and maritime tourism heavily relies on healthy marine ecosystems. Therefore, tourism development must be an integrated approach that will help conserve and preserve our fragile ecosystems and serve as a vehicle to promote a blue economy.
Hence, it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. And we do not want the protection of our coral reefs to stop today. It is a continuous process and we all should take ownership of it.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are gathered here today to plant coral, to give back to our wetlands and to ensure its sustainability for years to come.
And in the spirit of World Tourism Day and the National Climate Change week, we will also take time to plant a tree to ensure that we are carrying the theme of ‘sustainability’ forward, as we celebrate and complement Fiji’s incoming presidency of COP23.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation. It is a collaborative effort between all stakeholders – that includes Government, business partners, tourism operators and the local community.
Today, as we undertake the activities of coral and tree planting, we must bear in mind that though these initiatives may be small, it will speak volumes. Our environment, features prominently in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Today we enhance our shared ownership of the conservation of our land and marine environments – and is also the continuation of the partnership in ensuring a sustainable future.
By planting mangroves, corals and trees we are able to take small steps towards a sustainable future, not only for Fiji but for the region and the world, and that it may inspire others to also protect our environment.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With those words, I thank you all for being part of our coral planting initiative and remember as Aristotle said and I quote “HE WHO SEES THINGS GROW FROM THE BEGINNING, WILL HAVE THE BEST VIEW OF THEM”, unquote.
A happy WORLD TOURISM DAY to you all.
Vinaka vakalevu.