Vinaka Fiji Marine Research and Conservation Program Volunteer

The Vinaka Fiji Trust was established in 2010 to formalise and further the work and economic assistance provided by the owners of Awesome Adventures Fiji to the people of the Yasawa Islands Region.

The Vinaka Fiji Volunteer program aims to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities, often taken for granted in modern society, yet missing from village life in the Yasawas. It seeks to do this both through direct aid and by acting as a facilitator, bringing those who can help - companies, government, aid agencies and individuals together with the landowners and residents.

The key areas of focus for Vinaka Fiji are fresh water, nutrition, education, power, marine and environment.

Specifically this includes supporting villages with:

• Achieving and maintaining access to clean reliable sources of water
• Development of a diverse range of crops & food sources for nutrition and micro-enterprise purposes
• Supporting Fijian Education programs in schools where child/teacher ratios are very high and in villages with school holiday programs
• Assisting with access to information and alternative solutions for power sources with a low environmental impact
• Research on the valuable marine environment & community education regarding the effective management of such resources

Vinaka Fiji Volunteer programs:

1) Education

Schools in the Yasawas are remote, under-resourced and the teacher to student ratio is extremely high. Work with local teachers to help school children develop their sport and play as well as teach extra curricular activities and skills. Vinaka Fiji supports both primary and secondary schools as well as some kindergartens.

2) Sustainable Communities

Assist in critical areas including securing fresh water, resource management, environmental initiatives, sustainable agriculture practices and assisting in the set up of micro enterprises. This is a highly diverse and rewarding program.

3) Marine Research and Conservation

This program involves gathering, collating and submitting important marine data. There is a strong focus on developing a finer appreciation and better management of the sea as a resource for villages. Full training and certification courses are available.

Vinaka Fiji Marine Research and Conservation Program Volunteer role:

Comprising over 300 islands, 4,000 square miles of reefs and 1,500 species of sea life, there are plenty of reasons to volunteer on Marine Research and Conservation programs in Fiji!

Take the opportunity to learn to scuba dive, or extend your skills in this incredible marine environment of the Yasawa Islands. Then take your new skills and begin conducting underwater surveys in the warm, turquoise waters of the Pacific. Visit traditional villages and get to know the community, meet the headmen and children, and support their learning about environmental marine conservation and fishing practices.

Participating in this program you will be involved in one of or several of the following:

• Manta Ray Research – observation, identification, behavioral studies and habitat analysis through daily swimming and snorkeling with these magnificent creatures
• Reef Check Fiji – providing insight to the health of a particular reef through diving and snorkeling observation, photographing and recording of data
• Crown of Thorn Seastar Watch – monitoring and management of a devastating predator to coral reefs
• Coral and clam nursery – part of a nationwide program to re-introduce and disperse clams including the giant clam Tridacna gigas throughout Fiji
• Marine biodiversity database Fiji – tracking existing and new species
• Habitat mapping - providing in-depth information into the layout and composition of the reef
• Participants will also record information on sharks, rays, turtles and cetaceans spotted during their stay and also periodically other species identified on the endangered lists of Fiji to support protection efforts by the Coral Reef Allowance and Fiji Fisheries.

Information and data from our programs is provided to: Manta Trust, Fiji Fisheries, University of South Pacific, Marine Ecology Fiji & GCRMN (Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network).

We have a highly experienced team of staff leading international volunteers working on collecting data that is provided for research projects assisting in the protection of endangered marine-life. Data is also used to establish Marine Protected Areas that will provide long term benefits to the local community and help guarantee food security for future generations.

Scuba Diving Requirements:

You will spend time on this expedition both snorkelling and scuba diving and as such you need to be qualified to at least Open Water Level. Non-divers can join the program following completion of a diver training training program with Reef Safari in Fiji, that will certify you up to an Open Water Level.

Duration:

Although volunteer programs are available from 1 week, we strongly suggest you consider at least 2 weeks in the field. The longer you spend volunteering, the more value you add and greater the benefit for communities in the Yasawa Islands.

What's included:

• Pre-departure support
• Discounted Services
• 24 hour emergency phone
• Airport pick-up
• Arrival orientation
• Long term experienced staff
• Safe and basic accommodations (dormitory as standard)
• Welcome meeting
• All meals prepared and provided by resort or village
• Location and cultural orientation
• All necessary project training by experienced staff
• All necessary project equipment and materials
• 24 hour in-country support
• Teamwork and leadership experience
• Transfer to base location
• Construction techniques training
• Community work workshop
• Construction materials

What's not included:

• Flights
• Medical and travel insurance
• Visa costs
• Personal kit
• Additional drinks & gratuities
• Extra local excursions
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Pre-post accommodation

What to expect:

All Vinaka Fiji Volunteer programs are based on a Saturday to Saturday week-long stay, with each separate program operating Monday to Friday in the schools and villages. Saturday and Sunday are spent at leisure. A typical day will begin with an early breakfast at around 6.30am, followed by a 30 to 60 minute Longboat transfer from the Resort Base to the schools and villages where you'll be working. Lunch is either provided by the village or taken with you from Base, depending on the day's activities. You will generally depart the villages and schools heading for 'home' around 3.00pm in the afternoon, in time to have a shower and attend a debriefing on the days achievements and planning for the next day, before you enjoy an evening meal with other volunteers and resort guests from around 7pm.

Saturdays and Sundays are for leisure and the Yasawa's many charms provide a multitude of opportunities to experience the culture and traditional ceremonies at Fijian villages, dive or snorkel the beautiful reefs in stunning remote island locations, relax and enjoy tropical white sandy beaches, explore caves and bushwalking, climbing volcanic mountains or cruising to nearby islands. the list is endless and allows you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Fijian way of life. Sunday is typically a "day of rest" in Fiji so supervised activities are limited, but volunteers are always welcome to attend the traditional Village Church Service - generally a very moving experience.

Where you'll be based:

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more stunning location to work, in terms of both the scenery and the people you'll be living with. The Yasawa villagers are known for their ear-to-ear smiles, their cheerful 'Bula' welcome and their warm, friendly nature.

One of Fiji's most stunning regions, and where the Vinaka Fiji Volunteering Programs are based, are the remote Yasawa Islands group consists of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands. Four of these islands have dramatic elevations with summits just short of 600 metres above sea level. The pristine white sandy beaches and dramatic monoliths surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons provide a beautiful environment in which to relax or enjoy the many activities on offer.

Where you stay:

Standard accommodation in the Yasawas is generally in either a dorm or sharing a bure (pronounced "boo-ray"). A bure is a traditional Fijian wood and straw house. Traditionally bures were houses where adult Fijiian men would socialize, eat and sleep - while families lived in a house known as a Vale. These days, bure is a term often associated with Fijiian holiday cabins, which are modeled on the basic shape of a traditional bure and built with materials that pay homage to the traditional buildings.

You will stay at Barefoot Island Lodge.

This resort at spectacular Drawaqa Island lies in a pristine location between two beaches. One of the beaches overlooks the lagoon where the awe inspiring manta rays come to feed each day. Much of the surrounding waters of the island have been declared a Marine Reserve.

The standard Double/Twin Bures and Dorms (just 4 per room) are set amongst mature trees just back from the beach with a central facilities area for bathrooms. The Deluxe Bures are safari tent style with a full opening wall and deck toward the beach and an ensuite bathroom with outside shower.

The resorts new owners have a strong commitment to the environment both on land and in the ocean. Their background is in diving and they have undertaken a lot of research and conservation work in Fiji and Australia. There is a Marine Biologist at the resort to provide in depth interpretation and information.

There is excellent snorkelling straight off the beach including some great drift snorkels. An experienced dive team are also there to take you on some of the most awesome dive experiences you'll experience in Fiji. The resort offers a relaxed nature based experience in a location you'll never get tired of photographing.

All rooms are serviced daily with staff making your bed, sweeping out your bure and replenishing water in your foot bowl. Bed linen is provided however, you will need to bring all other linen including towels and toiletries. There is a basic laundry service available for a small fee.

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in your package costs, with the resort offering a good variety of simple fare. Also available at the resort for purchase is a small range of snacks, soft drinks and alcohol. With regards to alcohol we ask you to treat this with respect so that it does not inhibit your participation on the programs. The Program Managers have the right to refuse the supply of alcohol to any volunteer and or to deny participation in the work program if they feel this is at odds with the program or posing a risk.

We will do our best to work with any dietary requirements you have, but please check this prior to making bookings as some resources can be limited in the remote locations we work in!