by Scott Laird
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Fri October 19, 2018
Guests at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji now have more options to interact with the local community and work to preserve the local ecosystem.
The eco-resort, which already partners with community organizations in Fiji on a corporate basis, is now extending the opportunity for guests to volunteer some of their own time during their stay.
"At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji, we are committed to providing our guests with transformative experiences when they travel," said Bartholomew Simpson, general manager of the resort. "Through our volunteer opportunities, guests will not only have the opportunity to give back when they travel with us, but will be able to truly immerse themselves in the local Fijian culture and contribute to the betterment of the environment."
One important volunteer option is the planting of mangrove seedlings in support of the resort's goal to plant 10,000 of the environmental "super plants" by November 2018.
Mangroves are coastal plants that thrive on brackish water, filtering out salt. Their extensive root systems host a diverse slate of marine and mammal life, while their canopies shelter the water below from absorbing excess sunlight and heat, keeping the water cool and comfortable. They also prevent coastal erosion, act as a storm barrier, and are vital in removing carbon from the atmosphere.
Guests interested in aquaculture can take part in the resort's giant clam repopulation project. The resort's resident marine biologist has been working to raise a series of broodstocks to rebuild depleted populations of four different species of clam surrounding the resort. In addition to the giant clam reserve, guests can also visit the nearby J. Hunter Pearls to learn about the modern sustainable pearl culture process.
Those wishing to immerse themselves in a Fijian community can visit the local primary school to read to the students. The grade-appropriate, English language book they read will then be donated to the school's library. Guests will have the opportunity to interact and bond with the students while helping them learn and practice English. Guests with school-aged children can also join in this activity, where they may even find a pen pal.
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is located on a refurbished coconut plantation on the island of Vanua Levu. In addition to the volunteer experiences, the resort offers a full slate of complementary and fee-based activities in addition to world-class services and resort amenities.
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