CASTAWAY ISLAND UNVEILS CORAL GENE BANK – A SUSTAINABLE STEP FOR FIJI’S FUTURE
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, officially opened the Castaway Island Coral Gene Bank on Friday, June 13th, 2025.
The launch—spearheaded by Counting Coral, Castaway Island Resort, OUTRIGGER, and Tourism Fiji—marks a milestone in Fiji’s journey towards sustainable tourism, echoing the key priorities of the Coalition Government’s Development Plans and the National Sustainable Tourism Framework.
“This isn’t just a conservation project,” said Hon. Gavoka. “It’s a declaration. A promise that we will protect what matters most—not only because we must, but because it’s who we are.”
The Sculptural Coral Gene Bank is more than a symbol—it’s a functional marine sanctuary blending science and art. As the third of its kind in Fiji, it showcases how tourism stakeholders are driving innovative, resilient, and inclusive initiatives to protect biodiversity while empowering local communities.
This initiative reflects Fiji’s broader vision: tourism that enriches lives, protects ecosystems, and safeguards our natural heritage for future generations.
With changing global traveller preferences, Fiji is positioning itself as a destination where purpose meets paradise. Visitors are not just witnessing the beauty of our reefs—they’re actively contributing to their preservation.
#FijiForward #SustainableTourism #CoralRestoration #CountingCoral #CoalitionGovernment #FijiReefs #OceanConservation #TourismFiji #CastawayIsland #FutureFiji #BlueEconomy
