Kokomo Private Island Fiji has long been involved in leading conservation efforts, and it’s upping the ante, launching new marine biologist-led experiences so guests can contribute to the protection of the ocean.
A passion project for Australian property developer, Lang Walker AO, who thought this was “the most beautiful place on earth”, sustainability efforts can be seen everywhere at his almost 57-hectare resort.
It’s in the repurposed local cinnamon wood used in the villas, the two hectares of edible garden providing produce to the restaurants, vanilla plantation, beehive and henhouse.
A mangrove reforestation project helps neighbouring villages (who have had to relocate twice due to rising sea levels), by building a natural sea wall from mangroves, which also helps create a unique environment for marine and freshwater life – a project guests can get involved in.
A 200-metre perimeter has been designated a no-take fishing zone, prohibiting guests, staff and locals from fishing in a bid to preserve the biodiversity and enhance the ecosystem.
There’s also a coral restoration program and the ‘dive against debris’ project empowers divers to remove marine debris and report data, while a clam nursery, turtle project and manta conservation are ensuring the the protection of threatened species.
Taking a deep dive
Leading the new conservation experiences is Senior Marine Biologist, Viviana Taubera, who will take guests on a deep dive to the world’s fourth-largest reef, the Great Astrolabe Reef, to learn how to preserve and protect the ocean.
Taubera came to the role from an unconventional path, starting her career at Kokomo as a nanny.
“I happened to be at the right place at the right time. I had my qualification while being a nanny and the marine department had an opening for another marine biology role to assist the senior marine biologist at the time. So I was told me to apply and in 2019 I signed my contract with the marine department. I still remember that day vividly – my dream to become a marine biologist came true!”
A tireless conservationist, Taubera hopes to educate guests about how to help preserve the ocean.
The new marine adventures include a ‘Beginner Marine Biologist’ course where guests go on a supervised snorkel expedition to the resort’s coral gardens and an ‘Advanced Level Marine Biologist’ course to the outer reef, to assist the Kokomo team in their pioneering work.
Guests will tour Kokomo’s coral gardens and watch Taubera conduct vital work on manta identifications.
Taubera says the new dives come as they are seeing a surge in guests wanting to make a positive contribution to ocean conservation “so that future generations will experience the same privilege”.
“Without conservation, we will continue to take away from the ocean until it cannot give anymore.
“Just like islands connected by the sea, our actions, no matter how small, can have an impact on the conservation of our ocean.
“I hope more people are made aware of climate change and how we can minimise our carbon footprint. It’s so important to keep in mind that nothing can last forever if not protected today.”
For more information, visit Kokomo Private Island Fiji
