A new discovery centre will soon be part of the environmental education experience at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park.

According to director of National Trust of Fiji, Emily Erasito, this is part of the $600,000 Government-funded expansion to the National Park which began in 2014.

It has since included a new library, offices and a visitor information centre.

“The overall theme for the Discovery Centre – ‘Sands of Time’ was the accumulation of thoughts and feelings expressed by the many people who visited the Park,” said Ms Erasito.

In the National Park, one can feel the links of our lives to the vanua (our land and culture) and the Pacific ocean that surrounds most island homes.

“The new Discovery Centre with its three key sections takes you on a journey back in time allowing you to learn and experience some of our natural and cultural history,” she said.

“The first section focuses on the flora and fauna of Fiji, starting from prehistory to contemporary Fiji.

“The National Trust was fortunate to work with two very skilled artists, Tessa Miller and Anne O’Brien, who built the flora and fauna exhibition on-site.

“The building plants and animals to life-size shapes, colours and feel, Anne and Tessa have created an amazing array of plants and animals which seem to come to life.”

Ms Erasito said the remaining two sections covers Fijian history, the migration of the Lapita people into remote Oceania, the unique geophysical landscape of the dunes and its peoples, will be established by local company First Fighter.

The Lami-based video and audio production company specialises in heritage interpretation they also developed the Fiji Museum’s “Virtual Museum” presenting over 800 objects of the Fiji Museum collections online.

“Other partners have joined the National Park in support of creating an excellent environmental education experience for Fiji’s children,” she said.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Oceania Regional Office installed a grid connected solar power system at the Park.

All power generated by the grid connected system will be utilised by the connected loads.

“Grid (FEA) power will be utilised for any shortfalls in power production.

“Any excess energy generated will be fed back into the FEA’s supply grid,” said Ms Erasito.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback: mere.satakala@fijisun.com.fj