National Trust of Fiji Islands

Happy World Environment Day! 🌿🌊

The global theme for 2026 is "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future."

In Fiji, our natural heritage and cultural heritage are inseparable. For generations, the vanua has shaped our identity, our stories, and our way of life. Being "Inspired by Nature" means looking to ancestral wisdom and natural systems to find the solutions we need today.

From the shifting sands of Sigatoka to our sanctuary islands and historic sites, the National Trust of Fiji works daily to Protect, Serve, Enjoy, and Share these treasures. By restoring our native forests and safeguarding our ecosystems, we aren't just preserving the past—we are building active, nature-based resilience For Climate.

Most importantly, we do this For Our Future. By passing this torch to the next generation—our Heritage in Young Hands—we are nurturing a regenerative mindset so that our island home thrives for centuries to come.

What inspires you most about Fiji’s environment? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Day

🌱✨ A HISTORIC NEW DAWN FOR WAISALI VILLAGE! ✨🌱

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate a monumental milestone for sustainable development and community-led conservation in Vanua Levu!

On May 22, 2026, the Waisali community officially launched two landmark blueprints for the future: the Waisali Community Tourism Development Plan and the Waisali Rainforest Reserve Management Plan!

🌿 As the powerful Vanua Waisali motto proudly declares:“Our Land, Our Culture, Our Future — Stronger Together, Thriving Forever.”

🤝 Honouring a 33-Year Legacy of Partnership
This incredible achievement marks a renewed chapter in the 33-year relationship between the National Trust of Fiji and the Mataqali Waisali (comprising the Tokatoka Waisali and Tokatoka Navulakisiga). Together, they stand hand-in-hand to protect more than 120 hectares of pristine forest! The Waisali Rainforest Reserve is an ecological treasure located within a recognized Key Biodiversity Area and Important Bird Area.

It truly serves as:
🦅 A safe sanctuary for endemic and threatened species.
💧 A critical watershed sustaining vital downstream ecosystems. 🍃 A repository of traditional ecological knowledge.
🪵 A living expression of indigenous custodianship.

🚀 Two Bold Plans, One Thriving Future
With newfound momentum from the Government’s World Bank-funded Na Vualiku Project under the Vanua Levu tourism development initiative, these two frameworks provide a clear, sustainable pathway forward:

🧭 Regenerative Tourism Plan: This strategy focuses on community-led, culturally respectful tourism , backed by generous funding from New Zealand Māori Tourism. It will revive guided treks, build cultural storytelling, and support community enterprises —positioning Waisali as a premier model for indigenous regenerative tourism across Fiji and the Pacific!

🛡️ Rainforest Reserve Management Plan: This plan establishes our shared responsibility to safeguard unique biodiversity. It outlines key actions focused on strict biosecurity, ecological monitoring, threat mitigation, and building a sustainable financing mechanism.

🌸 Vinaka Vakalevu to Our Visionaries & Partners
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Chief Guest Honourable Charan Jeath Singh (Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts) , the Gone Turaga na Tui Wailevu , NTF Chair Mr. Tuiteci, Board Member Mr. Robin Yarrow , NTF Senior Heritage Tourism Officer Milika Ratu-Savou , our provincial Rokos, government ministries, NGOs, and the entire Waisali community for making this vision a reality!

We also extend our deepest appreciation to the expert team who helped shape these plans:
🎓 Dr. Apisalome Movono for leading the regenerative tourism framework grounded in genuine partnership.
🌿 Dr. Baravi Thaman for his expert guidance and deep commitment throughout this process.
🚜 Bay Consultants for successfully translating sustainable tourism theory into actionable, practical strategy.
🕊️ Mrs. Elizabeth Erasito: We pay a deeply respectful tribute to our late Director of the National Trust of Fiji, whose original foresight, leadership, and passion laid the foundation for the work launched today.

✨ As Dr. Movono beautifully shared: "Today, we launch more than a plan. We launch a promise." Here is to a new dawn where tourism uplifts conservation, culture guides, and the community proudly leads!

🌍🤝 International and Local Backing
The launch event and plan formulations were made possible through generous financial and structural solidarity from key development partners:
🇳🇿✨ New Zealand Māori Tourism: Provided crucial funding and indigenous solidarity for the development of the Community Tourism Development Plan.
🇫🇯🏡 Fiji Heritage Foundation: Generously supported the logistical staging of the launch event in Waisali Village.

🌿 WELCOME TO THE TEAM, AKUILA! 🌿

Join us in giving a massive National Trust of Fiji welcome to our new NTF Forester, Akuila Torowale! 🇫🇯✨

Akuila joined us earlier this month and has hit the ground running with incredible enthusiasm. He is part of the Trust’s Kiwa Project team, where he’ll be leading the charge on:
🌱 Habitat restoration and reforestation
🚫 Invasive species management
🔥 Fire management and prevention

Our park rangers are absolutely thrilled to have someone with Akuila’s deep expertise on staff. They are already looking forward to working alongside him and learning from his wealth of knowledge.

Right now, Akuila is exactly where he belongs—out in the field doing what he does best! He is currently at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, assessing our Kiwa-inspired activities and gearing up for the vital work ahead. 🏝️👣

Akuila, we are incredibly happy to have you as part of the NTF family. Welcome aboard, and we look forward to your contributions in protecting and preserving Fiji’s invaluable natural and cultural heritage!

Rainbows and big milestones! 🌈✨

Our team woke up to the perfect morning welcome on the quiet seas to Vanua Levu. Of course, the phones came out instantly to capture the magic! 📸

Our team leader says it's a beautiful sign for the days ahead, and we have a feeling they're right. Mili, Emali, Salome, and Kini are on a mission for a very special occasion that's been a long time coming. 🌊🙌

Wishing the team the absolute best on this trip! Drop them some well-wishes in the comments, and keep your eyes peeled for our next field update.

Honoring the Legacy: Girmit Day 2026 🇫🇯

Today, we commemorate 147 years since the first Girmitiyas arrived in 1879. We honor the courage, perseverance, and indomitable spirit of over 60,000 indentured laborers who arrived between 1879 and 1916.

Their sacrifice transformed adversity into opportunity, building the very foundations of modern Fiji. As we reflect on their journey, we celebrate their immense contributions to our social, cultural, and economic landscape.

As custodians of Fiji’s natural and cultural heritage, the National Trust of Fiji is dedicated to preserving this history. Let us move forward in unity and solidarity, inspired by the legacy of the Girmitiyas.

✨ Reflection | Resilience | Unity ✨

Sailing to the Future: Our Rangers Kick Off the HIYH Yadua EcoCamp! ✊🇫🇯

Bula Vinaka everyone!

We are beyond excited to share some history-making news from the turquoise waters off Vanua Levu! Today marks the official launch of the first-ever Heritage in Young Hands (HIYH) Program on Yadua Island! 🏝️📖

Our dedicated education and ranger teams have officially touched down and are ready to kickstart the HIYH Yadua EcoCamp. This isn't just a workshop; it’s a milestone in our mission to reach every corner of our beautiful islands.

🤝 The "Dream Team" on the Ground
Leading the charge today is a powerhouse team from across our National Trust of Fiji sites:
👤Va (Education Program)
👤Ranger Ranadi (Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park)
👤Ranger Lekima (Waisali Rainforest Reserve)
👤Ranger Sevutia (Yadua Taba Crested Iguana Sanctuary)

💬 A Word from the Field
For Senior Ranger Ranadi, this trip is extra special. Not only is she helping facilitate the program, but it’s her very first time visiting the island and the world-renowned Yadua Taba Crested Iguana Sanctuary!

"This is one of our key targets this year—ensuring the children of this remote island get to be part of our Heritage in Young Hands program and the global movement to protect our natural and cultural heritage," says Ranger Ranadi.

🎶 Theme: "My Island Home"
Inspired by the soulful lyrics of Christine Anu, this year’s theme—"My Island Home"—dives deep into island ecosystems. The children will explore biodiversity, the vital link between people and nature, and why their voices are essential in protecting our world.

🏗️ It Takes a Village
This launch has been in the works since late 2025, and we are incredibly grateful to the Fiji Heritage Foundation for the funding support that allowed us to go full swing!
We also want to extend a massive Vinaka Vakalevu to the Yadua Island community. Traditional permissions have been granted, and the support from the village has been overwhelming. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we are honored to become part of the Yadua village to ensure these children receive a truly holistic, nature-based education.

Cheers to our rangers and education team! You are planting the seeds for a new generation of Junior Rangers who will one day hold the mantle to protect our seas, forests, and biodiversity. 🌿🌊

Stay tuned! We eagerly await updates from Day 1 of the EcoCamp. Go team! ✊🔥

WE ARE HIRING! JOIN THE NATIONAL TRUST OF FIJI 🇫🇯🌿

Are you a skilled Driver/Maintenance Officer looking to contribute to the preservation of Fiji's heritage? We are looking for a reliable, multi-talented individual to join our team!

THE ROLE AT A GLANCE:
▶️ Driving: Provide safe transport for staff and manage vehicle care.
▶️Maintenance: Oversee building repairs and keep our office compound in top shape.

WHAT YOU NEED:
✅ Valid Group 2 License & Defensive Driving Certificate.
✅ Fiji School Leaving Certificate.
✅ Skills in minor repairs and compound upkeep.
✅ Fluency in English and iTaukei.

📍 Location: Suva
📩 Apply via: [email protected]
⏳ Deadline: 01 June 2026

Check out the e-flyer below for full details and how to submit your application! 👇