Fiji has reached an important milestone for marine conservation and sustainable ocean-based development with the official opening 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 in one integrated space, strengthening Fiji’s ability 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 in collaboration with the UN Capital Development Fund and the UN Environment Programme. Through financing from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the Joint SDG Fund, UNCDF deployed FJ$720,000 in concessional loans as part of a blended-finance approach designed to unlock sustainable and inclusive blue economy investment.
Opening the ceremony, Saimoni Tauvoli, Acting Permanent Secretary for Fiji’s Ministry for Fisheries and Forestry, underscored the Government of Fiji’s long-term commitment to marine protection and responsible fisheries management.
“This is more than an infrastructure milestone. It is a commitment to the long-term protection of one of Fiji’s most important marine ecosystems, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve,” he said. “Protecting our oceans requires government, communities, businesses, scientists, and international partners working together to ensure our reefs remain vibrant, our fisheries sustainable, and our coastal livelihoods secure.”
He also highlighted Beqa Adventure Divers’ long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, including its role in establishing and gazetting Fiji’s first legislated marine park dedicated to shark protection.
From a system-wide perspective, Dirk Wagener, United Nations Resident Coordinator, described the new compound as a strong example of local innovation with global relevance.
“This facility represents a new chapter in Fiji’s leadership on the blue economy,” he said. “It shows how conservation, research, and enterprise can come together to deliver real impact for Fiji, while offering a model for small island developing states worldwide.”
Speaking on behalf of donor partners, H.E. Kanbar Hossein-Bor, British High Commissioner to Fiji, emphasized the role of innovative finance and partnerships in advancing ocean protection and climate resilience.
“Protecting marine and coastal ecosystems is a smart solution for economic growth, climate resilience, and people,” he noted. “We need to move beyond pilots and build investment-ready pipelines that work for nature and communities.”
Beqa Adventure Divers Principal Director Mike Neumann reflected on the pressures facing Fiji’s reefs during the COVID-19 period, when reduced tourism increased pressure on marine ecosystems.
“This facility and the partnerships behind it ensure conservation is properly supported, enforced, and financed, so our reefs, fisheries, and communities can recover and thrive over the long term,” he said.
The compound is also home to the Fiji Shark Lab, the country’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 assessment, and evidence-based management of critical habitats.
Delivering closing remarks, Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP’s Pacific Office, highlighted the broader development impact of the initiative.
“This facility shows what is possible when science, enterprise, community stewardship, and policy come together,” he said. “It reflects UNDP’s commitment to 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 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 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, blended-finance investments can deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Original article: https://www.undp.org/pacific/press-releases/new-dive-research-and-conservation-compound-marks-major-step-fijis-blue-economy-and-marine-stewardship
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
