New role announced as part of Outrigger Resorts’ ongoing commitment to global conservation through its OZONE (Outrigger’s ZONE) program
The new environment officer will be responsible for marine and land-based programs on the island (Download these images and this release in Word & Text formats at https://app.box.com/s/etk018344yges3xxypethabz7mhm7esf)
FIJI ISLANDS – As the United Nations designates 2018 as the third International Year of the Reef, Castaway Island, Fiji has appointed an environment officer as part of its ongoing commitment to preserve and protect its pristine marine environment.
A graduate of Fiji National University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental management, Mr. Kolinio Mataiyaga Vulaono will be responsible for the environmentally sustainable use of both the marine and land-based resources of the resort.
Kolinio will work in partnership with other tourism operators, communities, government and nongovernment organizations while also promoting OZONE, Outrigger Resorts’ global conservation initiative, centered on protecting the health of the world’s coral reefs and oceans.
He sees his role as focusing on education and training to prevent degradation of the environment, working closely with the resort’s PADI dive, water-sports and activities department to deliver the Outrigger-Zone (OZONE) environment initiative, and collaborating with the Mamanuca Environment Society.
Kolinio will also assist in the implementation of guest education awareness programs, coordinate educational workshops, assist in developing regulations for the marine environment and carry out water sampling, reef check monitoring and solid waste site inspection.
He says his interest in the environment was triggered by National Geographic documentaries on television and reading science journals as a child.
“I was always fascinated by the interaction that existed between all the living things in society and the way each species was intertwined and dependent on each other.
“The thing that I enjoy the most about this profession is sharing the message of conservation, sustainable practices and protection of the environment with people from all walks of life.
“It gives me a satisfying feeling knowing that the environmental work that I do together with that of the guests and staff at Castaway contribute to the bigger picture of saving our planet,” he says.
Castaway guests will be invited to take part in weekly environment activities that have been designed to be fun and engaging for all age groups.
These will include bird watching, coral planting and viewing, guided snorkeling, herbal medicine walks, guided bushwalk, excursions to neighboring islands, star gazing and a range of educational talks and games covering the subjects of mangrove awareness, marine best practices, terrestrial live species and much more.
###
ABOUT OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is a privately held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality company with corporate offices in Hawaii and operating globally in the Asia-Pacific, Oceania and Indian Ocean regions. From its Outrigger Signature Experiences to its Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty program, the values-based company invites guests to escape ordinary with exceptional hospitality and authentic cultural experiences, incorporating local traditions and customs at each of its properties worldwide. Founded in 1947, Outrigger has grown into a highly successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Resorts, OHANA Hotels by Outrigger®, Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger®, Embassy Suites®, Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand VacationsTM.
Outrigger currently operates and/or has under development 37 properties with approximately 6,500 rooms located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island); Guam; Fiji; Thailand; Mauritius; and the Maldives. Find out; find Outrigger at: www.outrigger.com or visit @OutriggerResorts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Media Contact:
Donna Parkin
Outrigger Resorts PR – Australia / New Zealand
Email: donna@parkinpr.com.au
Mobile: (+61) 419742573
Media Contact, Asia & UK
Ken Scott
ScottAsia Communications
Mobile: (+44) 7949 077959
Email: kens@scottasia.net
