MES recently launched one of its newest projects – the Mamanuca Eco Club. On the 1st of April, more than 200 students and teachers gathered at Malolo District School, in Solevu to witness the various projects Mamanuca Eco Club members have been engaged in since October 2015.
The Mamanuca Environment Society established the Mamanuca Eco Club in October 2015 with three primary schools and two kindergartens. Malolo District School, Namamanuca Primary School, Mana SDA School, Navatalesau Kindergarten and Motu Kindergarten became the first schools in the Mamanucas to join the Mamanuca Eco Club. Students joining the Eco Club become the first marine and terrestrial stewards in the Mamanuca Region.
Chief Guest at the launch was Castaway Island Resort Manager, Mr. Daniel Roy. In his opening remarks, Mr. Roy stated that it would take some time for climate change measures agreed to last year at COP21 talks in Paris to take effect. However, individuals and communities could aid the process by taking proactive steps towards reducing carbon footprint and increasing the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. “The conservation of our coral ecosystems will require action at both the local and international levels,” he said. Mr. Roy also added that the eco club provided students with the opportunity to play a role in the big picture.


“The focus on children is to highlight through the activities they will undertake, whether it is coral restoration, planting of mangroves or learning more about marine hatcheries, the critical importance of marine ecosystems, marine life and the environment in general.” added Mr. Roy.
Eco-club members of Malolo District School performed a ‘seasea’ ( traditional Fijian women’s dance), while the students of Mana SDA School seized the limelight with their wonderful display of their marching band, who were given the honors of carrying out the flag raising ceremony for the day. The Mana SDA Eco Club members were an array of red, white and blue in their marching uniforms, received standing ovation from all present.
Four prefects were selected from each primary school and were badged on the day by the Chief Guest. The chief guest also presented Eco-club members with their t-shirts, followed by the unveiling of the Eco Club sign board and cutting of the Eco Club cake to mark the launch.
During the Launch Eco Club members displayed their work and various little projects on waste management, 3R Art, Plant nursery, composting, and awareness. Chief Guest, invited guests and parents toured the display sites to witness the Eco-club members work and initiatives aligned towards the conservation of their environment.
The launch was also attended by representatives of MES member resorts, from Navini and Likuliku, ANZ cooperate sponsor representative and various government stakeholders in the Western Division -Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Office, Sigatoka Education Office, Department of Fisheries, Nadi Town Council and Frezco; supplier of bottled water for the day. Parents turned out in numbers to support this one of a kind initiative in their community.
The Mamanuca Eco Club is funded by Outrigger Resorts Hawaii. MES would like to thank Outrigger for their financial support, MES member resorts for their endless support towards all MES initiatives, teachers, students, parents for their contributions and Goodman Fielder and Frezco for the kind sponsorship to a successful launch.