LEADING local beverages company Paradise Beverages has forged a new long-term partnership with the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) in its bid to protect Fiji’s marine environment.
The announcement, which was made by the company today, extends a decade-long relationship between MES and Paradise Beverages’ Vonu beer brand, which carries the Vonu Dina (green turtle) as its emblem.
The partnership was initiated by 10 of the company’s leaders working with the society’s marine biologists, planting 49 Acropora corals before transferring them to the in-house reef at Castaway Island, as part of an ongoing coral replenishment program.
Paradise Beverages general manager Mike Spencer said as a local company and one of Fiji’s largest employers, they recognised that they played a part in protecting the environment and communities.
“The Fijian islands are home to one of the world’s most outstanding tropical marine environment, with many of our species found nowhere else in the world,” MrSpencer said in a statement.
Echoing same sentiments, he company’s general manager of marketing and new product development Rowena Taito said they were equally proud that its Vonu beer had been supporting the work of MES in protecting endangered turtle species for over a decade.
“Our decision to extend it reflects the vital role the society plays in protecting our turtles and the marine environment they live in,” Ms Taito said.
“It’s this incredible diversity and natural beauty that puts Fiji on the map and draws in tourists from around the world. It’s also a fundamental part of the identity and livelihood of most Fijians, most local communities rely heavily on marine resources for food and the jobs and income from our vital tourism and fisheries industries.”
Acknowledging the company’s increased commitment, MES project manager Marica Vakacola said they were grateful for the support of their newest sponsorship partner.
“Paradise Beverages’ sponsorship will enable MES to further achieve its goals to expand conservation work further in the Mamanuca region in areas of ocean conservation, and further benefit island communities and commercial stakeholders through the oversight, assistance and education provided by the society,” Ms Vakacola said.
She added that the region’s rising number of visitors and increasing development demand, coupled with the biggest natural phenomena of climate change, made partnerships between the private sector and community even more vital to ensuring a sustainable and healthy ecosystem.
“Our actions today will determine the outcome for present and future generations. We believe our collaboration with partner agencies, society members and sponsors will enhance and promote sustainable tourism and community livelihood through environment protection and awareness.”
The Mamanuca Environment Society was incorporated in 2003 and is a non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to promote and encourage sound environmental management practices with the goal being the sustainability of our fragile marine and terrestrial environment.
The society’s goal is immensely important in attaining recognition and providing protection for the environment in the Mamanucas, which in turn supports the livelihood of both community and commercial stakeholders.
