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Preserving the Fijian Way of Life Via Sustainable Tourism and Eco-Concious Travel
The Bourma National Heritage Park, consisting of 37,000 acres, serves as the site of a Vidawa Rainforest Hike. Located on the Fijian island of Taveuni, four island tribes have made an agreement to create a forest reserve that protects about 80 percent of the island’s rainforests. Here, islanders share their knowledge and experience with visitors- regarding food, medicine, cultural identity aspects.
There are nature reserves for bird watching, unique species of iguanas, and a vibrant tropical rainforest hosting thousands of plants, most with medicinal value, including the beautiful Tagimaucia flower which is unique to the high Taveuni hills. The promotion of such incredible assets not only encourages the local people to protect their heritage but also helps support the lives of those living in rural areas by giving them great opportunities for employment.
As a rule, the Fijians have a rich culture and a fascinating lifestyle. Staying in a village gives Fiji visitors the chance to share this wonderful lifestyle while contributing in a small way to the local people. It is common to be invited to stay in a village for the night when striking up a conversation with a Fijian person. In such circumstances, the offering of yaqona roots to the host or village chief is the traditional custom when visiting the village and tourists are encouraged to observe this important protocol. It is these seemingly small, but deeply meaningful gestures that will contribute to the preservation of this unique and unforgettable culture and way of life.
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