This year is the International Year of Coral Reefs. Many organisations worldwide, Governmental and Non-governmental alike, with academic institutions will meet to initiate programs and activities for the protection and conservation of coral reefs. Taking the lead role in Fiji is the Ministry of Fisheries, who will be coordinating a whole year’s program to protect coral reefs. This event was launched in Fiji and the Pacific on March the 8th.

To commemorate the occasion in the Mamanucas, a four day clean up on the week of the launching was held. Volunteers from the Nadi, Namaka and Airport ANZ Bank branches with MES staff and friends gathered to do beach clean ups in the 4 village communities-Yanuya, Tavua, Yaro and Solevu. The MES is indebted to and acknowledges the following companies – Coca Cola, Freezco, ANZ, BP’s, Castaway Island Resort, Malolo and Likuliku Island Resorts, South Sea Cruises, and Aqua Trek Mana for all their support and contributions towards the clean up campaign. Vinadu Riki!