Student Leads Call For Action To Instil Change
“It’s only onwards and upwards from here. We need to instil change, we need action,” he said.
Monday 12 June 2023 | 11:27
Staff and stakeholders during the clean-up at Shangri-La’s Yanuca Island resort on the Coral Coast on June 10, 2023. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
The time for decisive actions is now, we all have a part to play so let’s all do our roles by jumping right into it, says Iliesa Ravouvou.
The Sigatoka District School Year Four student made these comments during the World Oceans Day celebration hosted by Shangri-La’s Yanuca Island resort on the Coral Coast on Saturday.
He was among a group of students from six schools in the Nadroga-Navosa Province who partnered with resort staff and stakeholders to complete a clean-up along the Cuvu picnic beach.
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“It’s only onwards and upwards from here. We need to instil change, we need action,” he said.
“We have a critical part to play to ensure that just as our forefathers did to protect the ocean and its resources for us, we owe the same to them and the future generations that should rightfully inherit these significant resources after us.”
Assistant Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Alitia Bainivalu said the ocean had a special place in her heart, as she was brought up in the village by the sea, where villagers depended on the sea for their livelihoods.
“At a younger age, I knew the importance of the ocean to my people and this was partly the reason I pursued a tertiary qualification in marine studies,” she said.
“Our ocean plays a significant role in human existence and it is rooted deeply in our inheritance, culture, and way of life. Our determinations and actions today will help pave the way for our future and our future generations.”
Ms Bainivalu said people must work collectively with communities, civil organisations, private entities, and others in sounding the need to work for a better future.
Resort general manager Francis Lee said it was important to highlight a community action plan for preserving ocean life.
“Fiji is famous for the ocean, and we want to preserve it. At Shangri-La’s, we are very committed to the community out here not only to the people but also to the environment, which is important,” Mr Lee said.
He thanked the National Trust of Fiji, Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, Eco-Trax, Sigatoka Reef Safari, and Sigatoka Municipality Council.
Story by: Waisea Nasokia- waisean@fijisun.com.fj
