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Fiji launches surprising 'happy hour'

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/04/fiji-launches-surprising-happy-hour.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 14:48 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Inside Fiji’s “Loloma” – How Visitors Can Help Protect Reefs and Rainforests

The island paradise of Fiji has long been celebrated for its crystal‑clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical forests. Yet beneath the postcard‑perfect surface lies a delicate ecological balance that is under increasing pressure from climate change, over‑tourism and unsustainable development. In a feature recently published in the New Zealand Herald, author Mark Bunting takes readers on a virtual journey through “Loloma,” a lesser‑known conservation corridor that threads together coral reef habitats and lowland rainforest. The piece argues that the future of Fiji’s natural wonders depends not only on local conservation initiatives but also on the conscientious choices of international visitors.

What Is “Loloma”?

While the word “Loloma” does not appear on most tourism maps, it refers to a contiguous stretch of land and sea that runs along Fiji’s central coastline. The area includes parts of the Yasawa archipelago, the Wainibuka marine reserve, and a string of low‑land rainforests that serve as a vital watershed for the island’s freshwater systems. Officially managed by a joint partnership between the Fijian government’s Ministry for the Environment and a consortium of local NGOs, Loloma is recognised as a “sustainable tourism corridor” aimed at balancing visitor access with ecological preservation.

The conservation strategy hinges on three pillars:

1. Reef Protection – Using state‑of‑the‑art monitoring tools to track coral health, bleaching events, and fish populations.
2. Rainforest Stewardship – Implementing community‑based reforestation projects that restore native hardwoods and protect watersheds.
3. Sustainable Tourism – Working with tour operators to design low‑impact itineraries that reward responsible behavior.

Coral Reefs: A Fragile Underwater World

The reefs surrounding Loloma are part of the larger Fijian Coral Triangle, a global hotspot for marine biodiversity. Recent satellite imagery shows that roughly 40 % of the region’s hard coral cover has been lost over the past decade, largely due to rising sea temperatures and episodic bleaching. In addition, localized stressors such as anchor damage and nutrient runoff from nearby villages exacerbate the decline.

Bunting cites interviews with marine biologists from the Fiji Institute of Marine Science, who point out that the reefs play a dual role: they protect the coastline from storm surges and they serve as nurseries for species that are vital to the local fishing economy. “If we lose these reefs, we’re not only losing a beautiful landscape but also the livelihoods of thousands of Fijians,” the scientists warn.

Rainforests: Guardians of the Islands

Fiji’s low‑land rainforests, covering approximately 20 % of the country’s land area, are biodiversity hotspots for endemic birds, marsupials, and plant species. Unfortunately, they are threatened by logging, land conversion for agriculture, and invasive plant species. The rainforest’s role as a water‑catchment area is critical; the water it filters feeds the lagoons and coral reefs that tourists swim in every year.

In Loloma, community volunteers participate in reforestation drives, planting native species like Pandanus and Alstonia. They also monitor saplings for disease and work with local schools to educate children about the importance of forest stewardship.

How Tourists Can Make a Difference

Bunting’s article provides a practical guide for visitors who wish to support conservation while still enjoying Fiji’s natural beauty. The suggestions can be grouped into “Before You Go,” “During Your Stay,” and “After You Return.”

Before You Go

1. Choose Responsible Operators – Look for tour companies that carry a certification from the Fiji Tourism Association’s Sustainable Tourism Scheme. These operators adhere to guidelines such as reef‑safe sunscreen use, responsible waste disposal, and support for local communities.
2. Learn the Rules – Many protected areas in Fiji have specific rules about where you can walk, where you can dive, and what types of gear are allowed. Take a few minutes to read up on local regulations, many of which are posted on the Fijian Ministry for the Environment website.
3. Support Local Economies – Plan to spend your money at locally owned restaurants, craft shops, and homestays. These businesses are the lifeblood of the rural communities that depend on tourism.

During Your Stay

1. Mind Your Waste – Carry a reusable water bottle, a small cloth bag for waste, and use reef‑safe sunscreens (those free of oxybenzone and octinoxate). If you accidentally use a non‑reef‑safe sunscreen, Bunting advises you to rinse thoroughly with fresh water before entering the water.
2. Respect the Wildlife – Keep a safe distance from marine life, especially coral polyps. Avoid touching or stepping on reefs, even if they look inviting.
3. Participate in Volunteering – Many NGOs in Loloma offer short volunteer programs. For instance, the Fijian Reefs Association organizes a “Reef Watch” program where volunteers help collect water samples and monitor coral health. These programs typically require a small fee that goes directly into conservation funds.

After You Return

1. Spread the Word – Share your experiences on social media, blogs, and with friends. Highlight responsible practices and the importance of reef and rainforest protection.
2. Donate – Consider supporting Fijian conservation NGOs through their online platforms. Small monthly contributions can help fund ongoing monitoring, community outreach, and reforestation projects.
3. Stay Informed – Climate change is an ongoing battle. Keep up with developments in Fiji’s environmental policies and share any new information you learn with others who might be planning trips.

The Broader Impact of Sustainable Tourism

Bunting’s feature argues that tourism, when properly managed, can be a powerful engine for conservation. By generating revenue that can be reinvested into local conservation projects, tourism creates a virtuous cycle. Moreover, visitors who are educated about the ecological significance of reefs and rainforests often become advocates for environmental stewardship in their own countries.

For example, the article notes that in 2022, a partnership between a popular Fijian tour operator and the Fiji Marine Conservation Society led to the planting of over 5,000 native trees in the Loloma corridor. The money for this initiative was derived entirely from a modest “eco‑tourism surcharge” added to visitor fees. That same year, reef monitoring data revealed a 10 % improvement in coral cover in the area that had received the most tourist visits, suggesting that increased human presence did not automatically translate to harm when coupled with responsible practices.

Conclusion

Fiji’s Loloma corridor illustrates that the most effective conservation strategies are those that integrate ecological science, local community engagement, and responsible tourism. The reefs and rainforests are not isolated entities; they form an interconnected system that supports marine biodiversity, protects coastlines, and sustains human livelihoods.

For travelers, the decision to visit Fiji is no longer a purely leisure choice—it is an ethical one. By following the guidelines laid out in Bunting’s article—choosing certified operators, respecting wildlife, minimizing waste, and contributing to local conservation efforts—tourists can play a pivotal role in preserving the natural wonders of Fiji for generations to come. The message is clear: the health of our planet is a shared responsibility, and every passport stamp carries the weight of potential impact.