Fiji’s Plantation Island Resort has launched a World Oceans Week initiative celebrating its commitment to sustainability and community collaboration.

Coinciding with World Oceans Day on June 8, the week-long program features a series of events,  including marine biology workshops, snorkelling tours and educational activities for kids.

It comes one year on from the launch of coral restoration project, the Bula Reef, developed in partnership with local NGO Corals for Conservation as part of the UNESCO-endorsed Ocean Decade Reefs of Hope program.

Located just off the resort’s coast in the Mamanuca Islands, the Bula Reef features the world’s largest underwater word “Bula” spelled out with over a thousand heat-adapted “super corals”.

“The progress of the Bula Reef reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and meaningful community collaboration,” said Plantation Island Resort General Manager, Rodney Samuels.

“What began as a few coral fragments has grown into the living word ‘Bula,’ nurtured by natural processes, visiting marine scientists, and our own dedicated marine team.

“By working closely with our lcal partners, we’re not only protecting this remarkable marine ecosystem—we’re also inspiring future generations to care for our oceans. World Oceans Week is our celebration of that collective effort and the journey ahead.”

Plantation Island Resort’s resident marine biologist, Luisa Nadavobalavu, said the journey is still in its early stages.

“Sometimes it can feel like one step forward and two back when dealing with climate issues, but we’re fortunate to have already seen encouraging signs of coral survival, adaptation, and signs of growth over the past 12 months which is reassuring,” Nadavobalavu said.

“Of course, there have been valuable lessons along the way, but the team is buoyed by our learnings as the reef continues to reach mature.”

Plantation Island Resort is working alongside Dr. Austin Bowden-Kerby to make Bula Reef a UNESCO model site for coral reef adaptation to climate change under the Ocean Decade Programme.

As part of the broader sustainability program, the resort will also welcome two new Fijian marine biologists onboard as its onsite ocean experts to support the health of the Bula Reef, and to consult on ocean education and awareness activities for resort guests.