Junior Ranger Played Vital Role In Stopping Fire At Sigatoka Sand Dunes

Sokonaia Tamaya did not think twice when he saw smoke and fire emanating from the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

He knew the fire would spread quickly because of the dry weather.

It was Sunday – after a hearty Father’s Day lunch, he walked up a nearby mount near his Kulukulu Public School teachers’ quarters home.

When he saw the smoke, he knew exactly the location of the fire.

He simply ran to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes office along the Queens Highway.

He had to alert the rangers who were on call. Because of the location of the office, the rangers would not be aware that part of the sand dunes was on fire.

On his way, he thought of the native plants he had planted weeks earlier and the animals whose lives were now threatened.

He did not even think about calling the rangers – he simply ran as fast as he could. He was there in 10 minutes.

Ranger Saimoni Naruma and Ranger Sakiusa Bulivorovoro were on duty.

Sokonaia quickly changed into his firefighting gear and ran to Driodrio Forest with ranger Sakiusa - another 15 minutes run uphill and downhill.

It took the pair about half an hour to extinguish the fire.

Sokonaia Tamaya was only 11 years old when he took part in the Heritage in Young Hands programme - a collaboration between Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa and the National Trust of Fiji - Sigatoka Sand Dunes. He will be one of the first to complete the five-year environmental programme. Photo: Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa

A vital component is the outdoor training aspect which includes general environmental education and life skills awareness.

Students undergo specialised training as junior rangers in the five years.

The target audience for the programme are schools within the Sigatoka Sand Dunes and Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa corridor.

Selected schools include:

1. Naidovi Primary School

2. Cuvu District School

3. Nadroga Sangam Primary School

4. Kulukulu Public School

5. Nadroumai Primary School

To date the programme currently has one hundred students enrolled.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes

The Dunes are recognised, regionally and internationally as a place of great heritage significance.

They are an atypical landscape. Many archaeologists have conducted excavations over the years and have discovered important artefacts and human burials that have contributed to the understanding of Fijian Prehistory. The South-East Trade Winds continue to unearth many of the Dunes’ hidden treasures.

A large portion of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes is now protected as the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park under the management of the National Trust of Fiji.

If you plan to visit the Sand Dunes:

• Call their head office in advance on 835 7154 and a ranger will be assigned to walk with you. You can also email Jason: jtutani@nationaltrust.org.fj
• Wear proper footwear (joggers are appropriate, leave your bata flipflops behind)
• Water to hydrate (A must)
• Sunnies and a hat (Also a must-have)
• Try to walk early - 7am or 8am is a good time

The head office is open from 8am to 4.30pm seven days a week.

If you wish to take your sports team to train at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, do the right thing and let the head office know. Otherwise, you and your team are trespassing private property. It’s a matter of courtesy.

If you’re looking for a truly local experience, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort’s Getaway offer includes a trek to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. For bookings contact the Reservations Team reservations.fij@shangri-la.com or call on 6520155

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj