Thirty Fijian artists displayed 75 pieces of art at the Fiji Museum on Wednesday night to celebrate the raw beauty of the Vatu-i-Ra seascape.

President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the new focus for Vatu-i-Ra was timely, adding that he wanted the public to be aware of the seascape.

“The ultimate goal of the Fijian Government through the green growth and sustainable development agenda is to modernise and expand the national economy to raise the standard of living for all Fijians, while at the same time protecting much of our natural environment,” Ratu Epeli said.

He said it was important to protect the seascape for the Fijian culture, economy and our people’s wellbeing, which was highly reliant and centred on the habitats, species and the ecosystem services it provides.

“In fact there is no other way to leave behind an assured future for our children, but to strike this balance between economic growth, sustainable development and environmental preservation now,” he said.

Wildlife Conservation Society spokesperson Dwain Qalovaki said the campaign was to build public support for the protection of land and sea between Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.

“All the 75 pieces of art showcases the raw beauty of Vatu-i-Ra seascape and the exhibition was the first proposed exhibition for seascape,” he said.

Artist Irami Buli, who has been in the art business for 20 years, said Fijian artists needed a national gallery here.

“The Government should help recognise this because a lot of our young generation are inspired by our artworks and this way we are going to contribute to our economy,” he said.

Exhibition is open to the public since Thursday from 9.30am to 4pm. It ends today.

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