FIJI
ECOTOURISM
ASSOCIATION
The Fiji Ecotourism Association was formed in 1995 with the objective of consolidating all interested parties in terms of ecological, historical, cultural, nature based, and adventure based tourism activities. The organization has recently defined principles and practices crucial to all ecotourism products.
First, the Association created and adopted the "Fiji Ecotourism and Village-based Policy." This policy is defined as, "A form of nature-based tourism which involves responsible travel to relatively undeveloped areas to foster an appreciation of nature and local cultures, while conserving the physical and social environment, respecting the aspirations and traditions of those who are visited, and improving the welfare of the local people."
In order to ensure that the above policy is abided by, The Fiji Ecotourism Association established a set of Objectives, as presented by the Constitution of the Organization, as well as a Code of Practice.
Among others, a few of the Objectives include:
- The consolidation of ecotourism practitioners into one organization;
- The Establishment and maintenance of a Code of Ethics;
- Develop/Implement an accreditation system that recognizes legitimate ecotourism operators;
- To support government decisions that enable ecotourism on the island;
- Adopt/Implement a system to recognize achievements made toward international best practice by members of the tourism industry in environmental and social responsibility;
- Encourage/Monitor tourism involving sustainable use of natural resources;
- Encourage/Assist locals to become more involved in ecotourism related activities;
- Encourage/Monitor tourism activities involving the discovery and artistic traditions of Fiji.
The Code of Practice states principles that members agree to follow. The general ideas of these principles are as follows:
- To strengthen the conservation effort;
- To respect sensitivities of all cultures;
- To practice/promote the efficient use of natural resources;
- To prohibit use/importation of hazardous/harmful materials and chemicals;
- Ensure that waste disposal has minimal environmental impacts;
- Agree not to use imported goods that are packaged in non-recyclable/harmful materials, and to promote recycling;
- Support and promote all businesses that believe in and practice the conservation of natural/cultural resources;
- Raise environmental and socio-cultural awareness through the distribution of ecotourism awareness guidelines;
- Support ecotourism education and training for tour operators, accommodation, government, and other tourism industry affiliates/stakeholders;
- Educate/Train staff to be respectful of local cultures;
- Present appropriate verbal and written educational material and guidance to clients;
- Maximize the use of locally produced goods that support sustainable agricultural and fishing practices;
- Do not purchase goods that are made from threatened or endangered species;
- Always keep vehicles on designated trails throughout nature areas;
- Commit to the principles of sustainable practices and guidelines;
- Comply with International safety standards;
- Ensure that all marketing material, publications, and presentations are truthful.
The Fiji Ecotourism Association has rapidly increased it's membership over the years since it's inception. The Association provides a website that can directly link travelers with Fiji Ecotourism Association Member Tour Operators, Accommodations, and Organizations. The current website lists twenty-six ecotourism opportunities.
Information in this section can be attributed to the following:
Miss Rashida Sahib, Fiji Ecotourism Association
Fiji Website