[Photo: SUPPLIED]

The Fiji Development Bank and Sasakawa Peace Foundation are exploring new opportunities to drive sustainable, community-based eco-tourism across Fiji’s maritime communities.

The two organisations are looking at ways to link environmental protection, cultural preservation and economic development, with a focus on creating long-term opportunities for coastal and island communities.

Fiji’s marine ecosystems are a major economic and cultural asset, with 3.5 percent of the world’s coral reefs located within Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone and more than 65,000 hectares of mangroves along the country’s coastlines.

The Fiji Development Bank says these natural resources present significant opportunities for sustainable growth within the blue economy.

The partnership is also aligned with FDB’s Strategic Pillar Five, which focuses on sustainability, social impact and development, and supports Fiji’s broader national development priorities.

Representatives from both organisations recently visited Levuka and Vanua Balavu, meeting with communities, government agencies, provincial authorities and traditional leaders.

The discussions focused on existing tourism activities, community aspirations and opportunities to develop sustainable economic ventures.

The visit identified strong potential for community-based eco-tourism and agri-tourism, particularly initiatives that showcase Fiji’s culture, heritage and traditional knowledge while generating income for local communities.

SPF also introduced its Sasakawa Community-Based Eco-Tourism Model, which aims to balance conservation and cultural preservation with tangible economic benefits for communities.

The model focuses on knowledge-sharing, capacity building and exchanges to help communities develop tourism ventures that are commercially viable while remaining environmentally responsible.

FDB and SPF say their discussions remain exploratory, but share a common vision of building resilient communities, protecting healthy ecosystems and creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.

They are encouraging communities, development partners, government agencies, investors and other organisations interested in Fiji’s blue economy to engage with FDB as potential areas for collaboration and investment emerge.