Beqa Adventure Divers research and conservation compound opens

Fiji has taken a major step toward strengthening its blue economy and marine stewardship with the official unveiling of the Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) Dive, Research and Conservation Compound in Pacific Harbour.

The United Nations Development Programme says the new facility brings together sustainable tourism, scientific research and conservation under one roof, enhancing Fiji’s ability to protect its marine ecosystems while supporting livelihoods that depend on healthy oceans.

UNDP says the compound focuses particularly on the protection and long-term management of the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, one of Fiji’s most significant marine ecosystems.

UNDP adds that the initiative was established through the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy (ICRBE) Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the UN Capital Development Fund and the UN Environment Programme.

UNDP says financial support was provided by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the Joint SDG Fund, with UNCDF deploying FJ$720,000 in concessional loans as part of its blended-finance approach to unlock sustainable and inclusive investment.

Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, Saimoni Tauvoli reaffirms the Government of Fiji’s commitment to long-term marine protection and responsible fisheries management.

He emphasizes that safeguarding Fiji’s oceans requires strong collaboration between government, communities, businesses, scientists and international partners.

Tauvoli also acknowledges Beqa Adventure Divers’ long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, including its role in establishing Fiji’s first legislated marine park dedicated to shark protection.

From a global perspective, United Nations Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener describes the new compound as a symbol of Fiji’s growing leadership in the blue economy.

He notes that the facility demonstrates how conservation, research and enterprise can work together to deliver tangible results, not only for Fiji but also as a model for other small island developing states.

Speaking on behalf of donor partners, British High Commissioner to Fiji, Kanbar Hossein-Bor, highlights the importance of innovative ocean finance and strong partnerships in advancing climate resilience and sustainable growth.

He stresses the need to move beyond small-scale pilots and build investment-ready blue economy initiatives that can attract significant capital while benefiting nature and people.

Beqa Adventure Divers Principal Director Mike Neumann reflects on the pressure faced by Fiji’s reefs during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the collapse of tourism increased reliance on fishing for livelihoods.

He says the new facility and its partnerships aim to ensure conservation efforts are properly supported, enforced and financed so reefs, fisheries and communities can recover and thrive in the long term.

A key feature of the compound is 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 assessments and evidence-based management of critical habitats.

Delivering the vote of thanks, UNDP Pacific Deputy Resident Representative Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov says the facility reflects what is possible when science, enterprise, community stewardship and policy align.

He reaffirmes UNDP’s commitment to supporting climate-smart, inclusive livelihoods that protect marine ecosystems while strengthening food security and resilience for future generations.

Beyond the Beqa Adventure Divers investment, the ICRBE Project is supporting a broader portfolio of blue economy initiatives across Fiji.

These include 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 through the remediation of 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 new Dive, Research and Conservation Compound stands as a practical example of how partnership-driven investments can deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits.