The Maqai Beach Eco Resort has jumped onboard mission COP23 with the Prime Minister to curb climate change and protect the environment.

It won the 2016 ANZ Fiji Excellence Tourism — Tourism Sustainability Award on Saturday evening at the Sheraton Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island.

The resort is on Qamea Island, off northern Taveuni. It has a strong focus on eco-tourism and won the 2012 Lonely Planet Sustainability award.

The managing director of New Zealand firm eCoast, Shaw Mead, a coastal consultant and researcher who has been a part of eco-resort since its inception, said the resort incurred huge damage from Tropical Cyclone Winston. But the dedication of the staff made their operation possible again.

The rebuilding post-Winston cost “a couple of $100,000”, Mr Mead said.

“There are many ways we can work together in order to maintain the sustainability of our environment and we would like to help other resorts as well drive Fiji towards that direction.

“Our environment is what people come here to see.

“Our natural resources and untouched greenness and environment are what are so beautifying of our tourism sector.

“All over the world, this kind of environment has been destroyed.

“This is pure Fiji and we have to look after our natural resources,” he said.

Mr Mead said he was grateful to all the staff and everyone because it was a big team effort.

“It was only in the last three or four years that we have introduced the real drive towards tourism and sustainability.”

Furthermore, the resort was making use of solar and water energy.

edited by: ivamere nataro