Vanuabalavu Is Where You Should Go! Adi Loraini

Travelling locally and abroad is part and parcel of Adi Loraini Baleilom­aloma Kasainaseva’s work.

She is a Sustainable Forest and Landscape Management Programme officer at the Land Resource Division of the Pacific Com­munity (SPC).

Her role grants her the privilege of being in an environment where she is passion­ate about, environmental conservation and sustainability.

“We’re stewards of our natural resources and it’s up to us to protect the resources that has been given to us to be custodians of,” Adi Loraini said.

“I am passionate about contributing pro­fessionally to the conservation and the sustainable management of our natural re­sources for our future generations and also for the wellbeing of our local communities, country and region as a whole,” she said.

Adi Loraini said the programme provides assistance to Pacific-member countries on anything such as policies or technical and scientific advice that deals with forestry or natural resource management for the Pa­cific .

Apart from that, she also represents the Pacific Community in high-level meetings overseas, such as the Pacific Heads of Ag­riculture and Forestry Meetings, REDD+ meetings for Asia Pacific in Bangkok and FAO Forest Policy Meeting in Nepal to dis­cuss forestry and natural resource manage­ment issues in the Pacific region.

Because she travels a lot, she has been to many places in Fiji and the one thing she carries with her where ever she goes is her Bible.

She considers herself an introvert but when in her own element, Adi Loraini is adventurous, loves the outdoors and enjoys netball.

What is the one place in Fiji you would take visitors to, and why?

My island home is in Vanuabalavu, Lau, where the reefs are pristine with tropical beaches with great snorkelling and sacred burial caves.

What is your favourite place for coffee/pie, and why?

Mana Coffee-Fiji at Victoria Parade, Suva. They have a very cozy sitting arrangement where you can enjoy the best taste for coffee and delicious pastries with friends.

What is your favourite backyard spot, and why?

Hiking, netball or spending time outdoors when I am not at work or with family.

What is one place in Fiji that remains on your bucket list, and why?

I look forward to visiting the Yasawa Is­lands. They have a very unique ecosystem.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj