Fiji has marked a significant milestone in marine conservation and sustainable ocean development with the official opening of the Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) Dive, Research, and Conservation Compound in Pacific Harbour. The facility integrates sustainable tourism, scientific research, and conservation, enhancing Fiji’s ability to protect 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 in partnership with the UN Capital Development Fund and the UN Environment Programme. Financing from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the Joint SDG Fund enabled the deployment of FJ$720,000 in concessional loans through a blended-finance approach, unlocking sustainable and inclusive investment in Fiji’s blue economy.
At the opening ceremony, Saimoni Tauvoli, Acting Permanent Secretary for Fiji’s Ministry for Fisheries and Forestry, emphasized the government’s commitment to marine protection and responsible fisheries management. He highlighted the Shark Reef Marine Reserve and Beqa Adventure Divers’ role in establishing Fiji’s first legislated marine park dedicated to shark conservation, underscoring the importance of collaboration among government, communities, businesses, scientists, and international partners.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener described the compound as a model of local innovation with global significance, showcasing Fiji’s leadership in integrating conservation, research, and enterprise to achieve tangible impacts. Similarly, British High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Kanbar Hossein-Bor, stressed the importance of innovative finance and partnerships in protecting marine ecosystems while promoting economic growth and climate resilience.
Beqa Adventure Divers Principal Director Mike Neumann noted that the COVID-19 period increased pressure on Fiji’s reefs due to reduced tourism. He emphasized that the new compound, supported by collaborative partnerships, ensures conservation is properly funded, enforced, and maintained, enabling reefs, fisheries, and communities to recover and thrive over the long term.
The compound also hosts the Fiji Shark Lab, the country’s first biological field station dedicated to shark and ray research, conservation, and education. By combining tourism operations with scientific research and community engagement, the facility strengthens Fiji’s capacity for marine monitoring, biodiversity assessment, and evidence-based management of critical habitats.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov highlighted the broader development impact of the compound, noting that it demonstrates how science, enterprise, community stewardship, and policy can work together to protect marine ecosystems while supporting climate-smart, inclusive livelihoods that enhance food security and resilience.
Beyond this investment, the ICRBE project is advancing other blue economy initiatives in Fiji, including the country’s first dedicated blue lending facility with the Fiji Development Bank and efforts to reduce land-based marine pollution by transforming dumpsites into sustainable waste collection centres.
As Fiji positions itself as a global leader in ocean governance and sustainable blue economy development, the Beqa Adventure Divers Dive, Research, and Conservation Compound exemplifies how partnership-driven, blended-finance investments can deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.
