Plantation Island Resort Unveils World Oceans Week, Honouring BULA Reef’s First Year

BULA Reef

Plantation Island Resort is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural World Oceans Week, a resort-led initiative running from 2-8 June 2025 in Fiji.

Timed to coincide with World Oceans Day on Sunday the 8th of June, the inaugural World Oceans Week will celebrate Plantation Island Resort’s deep commitment to sustainability and community collaboration. The week-long program features a series of engaging events, guest workshops, and activities, all anchored by the one-year anniversary of the BULA Reef— the world’s largest underwater word and one of the South Pacific’s most ambitious coral restoration projects, located just off the resort’s coast in the stunning Mamanuca Islands.

A Living Reef, A Year On

Launched on World Oceans Day last year (June 8th, 2024), the BULA Reef was developed in partnership with local NGO Corals for Conservation as part of the UNESCO-endorsed Ocean Decade Reefs of Hope program. Spelled out beneath the sea in over a thousand heat-adapted “super corals,” the reef was designed as both a scientific intervention and a cultural symbol of resilience. “BULA”— Fiji’s word for “life”— now lives beneath the waves as a beacon of climate adaptation, sustainability, and hope.

Mr. Rodney Samuels, General Manager of Plantation Island Resort, said: “The progress of the BULA Reef reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and meaningful community collaboration. What began as a few coral fragments has grown into the living word ‘BULA,’ nurtured by natural processes, visiting marine scientists, and our own dedicated marine team.

“By working closely with our local partners, we’re not only protecting this remarkable marine ecosystem—we’re also inspiring future generations to care for our oceans. World Oceans Week is our celebration of that collective effort and the journey ahead.”

Bula Reef

Plantation Island Resort’s resident marine biologist, Luisa Nadavobalavu, reports: “While we’re still in the early stages of this important journey, we’re excited to celebrate this important one year milestone. Sometimes it can feel like one step forward and two back when dealing with climate issues, but we’re fortunate to have already seen encouraging signs of coral survival, adaptation, and signs of growth over the past 12 months which is reassuring. Of course, there have been valuable lessons along the way, but the team is buoyed by our learnings as the reef continues to mature.”

As part of the resort’s long-term vision for BULA Reef, Plantation Island Resort is working alongside Dr. Austin Bowden-Kerby and the United Nations to make BULA Reef a UN Coral Adaptation Reef. This project would be the first of its kind globally and aims to provide a model for coral restoration that can be applied worldwide.

A Wonderful Week of Ocean-Inspired Discovery for Guests

Throughout Ocean Week, Plantation Island Resort guests will be invited to engage in a wide variety of immersive, marine-themed activities.

• Marine Biology Workshops: Led by marine science experts, these sessions offer insight into coral ecosystems, including interactive “coral bouquet” making with stunning staghorn varieties that have survived temperatures over 36°C.
• Snorkelling Tours to BULA Reef: Complimentary just for this week, guests can take carefully planned and guided snorkel trips to the BULA reef —available Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during Ocean’s Week only—to witness the coral nursery and its marine life up close.
• Kids in Conservation: A little closer to the shore, children can join free guided snorkels of the resort’s own underwater museum (located just 20 metres off the beachfront), help plant corals on A-frames, and build mini “fish houses,” fostering a fun and educational introduction to reef care.

Bula Reef

Further cementing its dedication to sustainability, Plantation Island Resort will be introducing reef-safe sunscreen products for sale at the resort, ensuring that guests can protect themselves while preserving the delicate marine ecosystem.

As part of the broader sustainability program, the resort will also welcome two new Fijian marine biologists onboard as its onsite ocean experts, ensuring the continued growth and health of the BULA Reef, and to consult on ocean education and awareness activities for resort guests.

To learn more or book your next trip to Plantation Island resort visit https://www.plantationisland.com

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/