Eco & Sustainable Travel on Beachcomber

Spring Break FIJI is held on Beachcomber Island, a destination that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the preservation and safeguarding of its precious natural and cultural heritage for the long term. The team at Beachcomber Island firmly believes in implementing sustainable practices and actively working towards the conservation of their environment.

One of their key endeavors involves the implementation of educational programs aimed at promoting environmental awareness. They strive to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness between human actions and the well-being of the environment. Through these initiatives, their aim is to inspire individuals to become stewards of the planet, making informed choices that contribute to its preservation.

Furthermore, Beachcomber Island is dedicated to the well-being of the local community and the marine life that surrounds the island. They recognize the importance of supporting and uplifting the livelihoods of the local people, ensuring that their prosperity is intertwined with the sustainable development of the environment. In parallel, they are devoted to the protection of marine life, understanding that the health of the oceans directly impacts the ecological balance and overall well-being of the planet.

By prioritizing education, environmental awareness, and the welfare of the local community and marine ecosystems, Beachcomber Island aims to create a harmonious coexistence where nature and culture thrive. They firmly believe that through collective efforts, a positive and lasting impact can be made, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for generations to come.

HAWKSBILL TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

The team at Beachcomber Island greatly admires the Hawksbill Turtle, recognizing not only their stunning beauty and deep connection to Fijian culture and history but also their crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs. They are fortunate that these remarkable creatures choose to reside and reproduce in their region, and for many years, they have been staunch advocates for the protection of Hawksbill Turtles. As part of their ongoing efforts, they release numerous turtles back into their natural habitat each year, and they are pleased to see other local resorts embracing similar initiatives.

Upon hatching, the newborn turtles are carefully placed in designated ponds where they receive dedicated care until they become less vulnerable. Subsequently, the turtles are released in small groups ranging from 6 to 24 months old, ensuring a gradual transition into the wild. This approach, known as the Hatchling Headstart Programme, is an essential component of their conservation strategy. It is noteworthy that Beachcomber Island is among the few resorts in Fiji authorized by the Department of Fisheries to keep turtles for conservation purposes.

Throughout the turtles’ time at Beachcomber Island, the team prioritizes providing them with ample opportunities to develop their natural behaviors, enabling them to thrive upon release. By adhering to these principles, they strive to ensure the long-term well-being of Hawksbill Turtles and contribute to the preservation of their precious ecosystems.

DESALINATION PLANT

Beachcomber Island is situated 18 kilometers away from the mainland, posing logistical challenges for transporting or piping water to the island due to cost considerations. To overcome this obstacle, the resort has established a desalination plant that efficiently produces 1000 cubic meters of clean water daily. The plant operates by utilizing saltwater, with approximately 75% of the saltwater being returned to the sea through a dedicated piping system.

In order to meet the water demands for various activities on the island, including consumption, cooking, and laundry, Beachcomber Island has implemented three storage tanks. These tanks have a significant capacity, each capable of holding 100,000 gallons or 400,000 liters of freshwater produced through the desalination process.

The desalination plant at Beachcomber Island has an impressive capacity, generating 25,000 gallons or 35,000 liters of freshwater per day within just one hour. It is crucial to highlight that the water produced by the plant adheres to rigorous quality standards, ensuring complete safety for consumption.

By utilizing this advanced desalination system and effectively managing their water resources, Beachcomber Island is able to sustain a sufficient water supply for the needs of the resort. This approach significantly reduces their dependence on external sources, guaranteeing a reliable and safe water source for both guests and residents of Beachcomber Island.

WASTE TREATMENT ON BEACHCOMBER ISLAND RESORT

In order to address the absence of municipal water care systems on the island, Beachcomber Island has implemented a comprehensive method for managing sewer water. Their approach involves the strategic utilization of wells positioned across the island, each equipped with its own sump pump. These pumps efficiently transfer the wastewater to a catchment well, which then directs the collected water into a dedicated treatment tank with a capacity of 90 cubic meters.

The wastewater treatment process at Beachcomber Island is designed with a focus on environmental friendliness and safety. The methods employed ensure that the process is biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, minimizing any adverse impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The treated water, known as gray water, is repurposed for irrigation purposes in their beautiful gardens through a sprinkler system. This practice of reusing water contributes to the conservation of precious resources and promotes the thriving health of the gardens.

Furthermore, Beachcomber Island’s sewer water management system enables the extraction and drying of the 1% solid content present in the wastewater. These solids are carefully packaged and transported to farms on the mainland, where they are utilized as valuable organic manure. By effectively repurposing and recycling the waste, Beachcomber Island ensures that no discharge enters the ocean. As a result, the island’s vibrant marine environment, characterized by live coral and diverse fish species, remains undisturbed and flourishing.

Through the implementation of their sustainable sewer water management system, Beachcomber Island takes great pride in maintaining the integrity of their island’s ecosystems while upholding their commitment to environmental responsibility.

CORAL PLANTING

In recent times, the significance of coral planting has gained substantial recognition due to the alarming changes in ocean temperature and acidity caused by climate change, along with the escalating impact of natural disasters that have devastating effects on coral reefs. Additionally, anthropogenic activities, such as the loss of nutrients and overfishing of grazing fish species that regulate algae growth, have contributed to the decline of coral reefs. It is evident that coral reefs are deteriorating at a rate faster than their natural recovery can keep pace with.

At VESA, the urgent need for coral restoration is acknowledged, and the organization provides a platform to actively contribute to this vital endeavor. Their approach entails engaging in the restoration process by providing manpower and employing innovative techniques. Rather than solely relying on the natural spawning cycle of corals, VESA focuses on the planting of branching corals from their tips, specifically utilizing the resilient Acropora species. These corals are known for their ability to withstand changes in temperature and salinity, making them well-suited for restoration efforts.

The method employed by VESA involves affixing the coral tips onto specially designed pegs. This technique allows for the cultivation of corals in dedicated coral nurseries for a period of 6-8 months. Once the corals have sufficiently grown, they are transplanted directly into the affected areas of the reef. This transplantation process facilitates the growth and development of new coral colonies, thereby aiding in the restoration of damaged ecosystems.

Through their coral planting initiatives, VESA actively contributes to the preservation of coral reefs and addresses their rapid decline. By harnessing the resilience of the Acropora species and employing efficient transplantation methods, VESA plays an integral role in restoring the health and vitality of these invaluable marine ecosystems.