Drawa eco-retreat opens to promote tourism and conservation

The opening of the Ideal Drawa Eco Retreat tourism project in Drawa, Wailevu, Cakaudrove, today has been described as a major step in promoting forest conservation and preserving cultural heritage while creating income opportunities through tourism.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said he was honoured to include the Drawa tourism project under the Na Vualiku initiative funded by the World Bank.

The project aims to protect the local environment in Drawa, empower communities and build long-term economic resilience.

Mr Gavoka said visitors to the eco-retreat would experience the area’s unique history and learn about the significance of cultural and natural resources within the Drawa region.

He said Drawa’s historical and cultural sites, including ancient traditional locations linked to Fiji’s pre-Christian history, could attract visitors interested in learning more about Fiji’s past.

Mr Gavoka also commended the Drawa Block Forest Communities Cooperative and Ideal Bed & Breakfast for supporting eco-tourism development in the area.

“We recognise the foresight of your elders who partnered with organisations such as GIZ and later Live and Learn to protect the Drawa forest,” he said.

Mr Gavoka described Drawa as a place of natural beauty, featuring waterfalls, rainforest and towering trees that enhanced its tourism appeal.

He said the environment reflected the sustainable mindset of the Drawa people, who had protected the forest for more than eight years through conservation efforts.

“You, the people of Drawa, have sustained one of Fiji’s longest-running forest conservation initiatives,” he said.

“This environment tells a story of stewardship. It shows that development and protection can go hand in hand when guided by strong leadership and shared values.”

A model for community-led development

Mr Gavoka said the people of Drawa had chosen a path that balanced economic opportunity with responsibility.

“You are creating income while protecting identity. You are developing tourism without compromising your values,” he said.

Director of Ideal Bed & Breakfast and Ideal Drawa Eco Retreat Mary Wye Qiqi said the project would create opportunities to showcase Drawa to the tourism market.

Ms Qiqi said while tourism in Fiji was largely concentrated around coastal and marine areas, Drawa offered visitors a village-based historical tourism experience.

She said accommodation facilities had also been established to allow visitors to stay in the village, learn about its history and experience traditional Fijian village life.