LocationsNew Dive, Research and Conservation Compound Marks Major Step for Fiji’s Blue Economy and Marine Stewardship
December 22, 2025
(l-r) Dirk Wagener (United Nations Resident Coordinator), H.E. Charlotte Darlow (New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji), Saimoni Tauvoli (Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Fisheries and Forestry), H.E Kanbar Hossein-Bor (British High Commissioner to Fiji), Mike Neumann (Beqa Adventure Divers Principal Director), Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov (Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office) and Natasha D. Marosi Director of Conservation for Beqa Adventure Divers) after the plaque unveiling.
Pacific Harbour, Fiji — Fiji has marked a milestone in marine conservation and sustainable ocean-based development with the unveiling of the Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) Dive, Research and Conservation Compound in Pacific Harbour.
The new facility brings together sustainable tourism, scientific research, and conservation under one roof, strengthening Fiji’s capacity to protect its marine ecosystems while supporting livelihoods that depend on healthy oceans.
The compound was established with support from the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy (ICRBE) Project, implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Through financing support from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the Joint SDG Fund, UNCDF deployed concessional loans in the sum of FJ$720,000 as part of its blended-finance architecture aimed at unlocking sustainable and inclusive investment.
Opening the ceremony, the Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Fisheries and Forestry, Saimoni Tauvoli, emphasized the Government of Fiji’s commitment to long-term marine protection and responsible fisheries management.
“This is more than an infrastructure milestone but a commitment to the long-term protection of one of Fiji’s most important marine ecosystems, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve,” said Mr. Tauvoli.
“Protecting our oceans requires the hands of many including government, communities, businesses, scientists, and international partners; working together to ensure our reefs remain vibrant, our fisheries sustainable, and our coastal livelihoods secure.”
He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between government, communities, and conservation-focused enterprises, and acknowledged Beqa Adventure Divers’ long-standing collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, including its role in the establishment and gazettal of Fiji’s first legislated marine park dedicated to shark protection.
From a global perspective, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dirk Wagener reflected on Fiji’s growing leadership in the blue economy, describing the new compound as an example of local innovation with global relevance.
“This facility represents a new chapter in Fiji’s leadership on the blue economy,” Mr. Wagener said.
“It shows how conservation, research, and enterprise can come together to deliver real impact not only for Fiji, but as a model for small island states around the world.”
He noted that initiatives such as this demonstrate the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches to ocean protection, where communities, governments, development partners, and the private sector work together to address complex environmental and economic challenges.
Natasha Marosi condutcs a tour for the team after the ceremony.
Government, UN agencies, donor partners, and Beqa Adventure Divers at the unveiling of the new Dive, Research and Conservation Compound in Pacific Harbour, advancing marine protection and sustainable blue economy development in Fiji.
Speaking on behalf of the donor partners, His Excellency Kanbar Hossein-Bor, British High Commissioner to Fiji, reiterated the importance of innovative finance and strong partnerships in advancing ocean protection and climate resilience for small island developing states.
“Protecting marine and coastal ecosystems is the smart solution for economic growth, for climate resilience, and for people,” said Mr. Hossein-Bor.
“We need to transform ocean finance so that it works for nature and people. This means moving beyond small-scale pilot and creating investment-ready pipelines that can attract significant capital.”
Beqa Adventure Divers Principal Director Mike Neumann reflected on the pressures facing Fiji’s reefs during the COVID-19 period, noting that when tourism came to a halt, pressure on marine ecosystems increased sharply as people turned to fishing to sustain their livelihoods.
“This facility and the partnerships behind it are about making sure conservation is properly supported, enforced, and financed, so our reefs, fisheries, and communities can recover and thrive in the long term," said Mr Neumann.
The new Dive, Research and Conservation Compound also houses the Fiji Shark Lab, Fiji’s first biological field station dedicated to shark and ray research, conservation, and education.
By integrating tourism operations with scientific research and community engagement, the facility strengthens Fiji’s capacity for marine monitoring, biodiversity assessments, and evidence-based management of critical habitats.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office, reflected on the broader significance of the milestone for Fiji’s development journey.
“This facility shows what is possible when science, enterprise, community stewardship, and policy come together,” he said.
“It reflects UNDP’s commitment to supporting climate-smart, inclusive livelihoods that protect Fiji’s marine ecosystems while strengthening food security and resilience for future generations.”
Beyond the Beqa Adventure Divers investment, the ICRBE Project is supporting a wider portfolio of blue economy initiatives across Fiji, including the operationalization of the country’s first dedicated blue lending facility with the Fiji Development Bank and efforts to address land-based sources of marine pollution via the remediation of dumpsites in the western division of Fiji into sustainable waste collection centers.
As Fiji continues to position itself as a global leader in ocean governance and sustainable blue economy development, the Beqa Adventure Divers Dive, Research and Conservation Compound stands as a practical example of how partnership-driven investments can deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.
For more information please contact:
Risiate Biudole, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, risiate.biudole@undp.org
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