The Paddle for Hope team continues its more than 500-kilometre journey around Viti Levu, taking a strong message to communities about protecting Fiji’s oceans and reducing reliance on single-use plastics.
The team started its journey from the National Sailing Centre in Suva, travelling along the Suva Foreshore before continuing to Muaivuso.
On Day 2, the team visited Togoru and Navua, before heading to Rovadrau, the Pearl Resort and Lomary on Day 3.
The team then visited Galoa and Navutulevu, where they were welcomed by villagers and given an opportunity to share the message behind the campaign.
They explained how single-use plastics can enter the food chain and potentially affect people’s health and wellbeing, while also encouraging communities to take greater responsibility for keeping their surroundings and waterways clean.
The team also thanked the people of Navutulevu Village for their hospitality and for providing a platform to share the campaign’s message.
The journey is part of the SUP Against SUP initiative, which stands for Stand Up Paddling Against Single-Use Plastics, using the Paddle for Hope journey to promote cleaner oceans and healthier communities.
During the visit, the Ministry of Environment also delivered a presentation on recycling and waste management, highlighting the importance of responsible waste disposal and reducing waste at its source.
The Paddle for Hope team says the journey continues to bring the message directly to communities, encouraging people to make small but meaningful changes in their daily lives to help protect Fiji’s marine environment.