Extreme climate events, ocean acidification, declining marine species and rising sea levels are evidence of environment change in Fiji. This new corporate sponsorship by Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) will greatly assist the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) with its ongoing work with both commercial and local community stakeholders in managing resources and implementing adaptive measures to mitigate the effects of climatic change.

MES continues to work innovatively and collaboratively with all stakeholders, developing new projects for the benefit of its members and the Vanua Lawa. Our primary objective to promote and encourage sound environmental management practices as guided by:

  • Sustainable Development Goal – Goal 13: Climate Action – Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impact
  • Goal 14: Life below water – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Goal 15: Life on land – To conserve and restore the use of terrestrial ecosystem
  • Green Growth Framework for Fiji

The dedicated commitment of MES in developing new projects and sustainable practice initiatives at all levels, promotes community livelihood and tourism through environment projection in the region.

“There is a still a great need for collaboration towards raising awareness with Government, commercial and local community stakeholders and visitors to underscore the importance of promoting best management practices for natural resources. This in turn will help to secure our pristine environment whilst advocating and implementing climate change reduction activities with the vulnerable island communities in the Mamanuca region” Marica Vakacola, MES Project Manager said.

MES fully supports and embraces AFL’s key principles of environmental responsibility in promoting sustainability, knowledge and awareness and community involvement that aligns with the MES vision and Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14 and 15 ensuring that best practice techniques and sustainable management of land and marine environment are followed at all times.

“AFL’s commitment through sponsorship will further raise awareness of environmental protection to promote sustainability. We will continue to work in collaboration with relevant government agencies, researchers and private sectors in the Mamanuca region in developing capacity building activities to mitigate climate change, through replanting coastal areas, native dry forest and protecting watershed areas and their marine resources using the ridge to reef conservation approach” Mrs Vakacola added.