Environmental Accreditation Firsts for UAE and Fiji Marinas

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced the first Fish Friendly Marina accreditations in the UAE and the South Pacific. Both Jumeirah Beach Hotel Resort Marina and Port Denarau Marina Fiji were approved as accredited by the MIA Board in early May.

MIA President Andrew Chapman CMM said the accreditations represent a significant milestone in the development of the global marina industry. “Both these marinas are in emerging and strong marina growth regions. They are setting the benchmark for others to follow. What is also pleasing is that the marinas are using the Clean Marina program guidelines as an environmental template to upgrade facilities and services and for the environmental education of their clients and communities.”

Jumeirah Beach Hotel Resort Marina is actively involved with the Dubai Ministry for Climate Change and Environment to establish opportunities to support healthy fish habitats and to educate boating and general resort users about ways to maintain and improve the health of the marine environment.

Liyanage Kithsiri, Marina Manager at Jumeirah Beach Hotel said it was a high priority to ensure that the hotel’s marine environmental assets are in the best possible condition. “The hotel is committed to being an environmental showcase and leader for the protection and enhancement of UAE’s marine environment.”

Port Denarau Marina is the largest marina in Fiji and provides for both commercial and recreational boats. The marina achieved Level 3 Clean Marina accreditation as well as the additional Fish Friendly accreditation.  The independent Clean Marina auditor was particularly impressed by the significant efforts of the marina’s Managing Director, Nigel Skeggs, to improve environmental practices in Fiji. Nigel has been actively involved in contributing to the writing of a new Environmental Code of Practice and Fiji’s Clean Boating Program.

Nigel said “achieving Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina accreditation is very important for the marina and the wider community. The accreditation criteria provided a framework for us to plan and prioritise our infrastructure spending. In a fast developing marine tourism destination such as Fiji, it is important that marinas such as ours play a strong environmental leadership role. The Clean Marina program has provided important guidelines for us to provide this leadership. Our team are very proud of what we have achieved.

The accreditation comes at an important time for Fiji as the Country Co-Chair of the upcoming Ocean Conference and Chair of the UN Conference of Parties dealing with Climate Change and Sustainable Innovation (COP23) later this year.  The Honourable Semi Koroilevesau said, “As Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Champion, I wish to congratulate Port Denarau Marina on its recent achievements in receiving the Level 3 International Clean Marina and International Fish Friendly Marina accreditation status. Fiji’s Honourable Prime Minister will be Co- Chairing the Ocean Conference with Sweden in New York in June and we hope to include these achievements as a Voluntary Commitment to the Ocean Conference.”

Pics: 1. MIA Director John Spragg presenting Clean Marina award to Jumeirah Beach Hotel Resort Marina staff

2. Port Denarau Marina Clean Marina Presentation

Further information contact Christine Roberts on +612 9439 5806 or email [email protected]

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Background information:

 The Marina Industries Association (MIA) is the peak representative body for marinas, slipways, boatyards, berthing, mooring and other marine storage facilities as well as sailing and cruising boating clubs. MIA membership comprises marinas and suppliers from Australia, NZ, Asia-Pacific regions and the Middle East.

MIA’s mission is to contribute to the sustainable development of the industry through the promotion of marinas and the provision of education, environmental accreditation and research programs and policies. This is undertaken in conjunction with the Global Marina Institute and the various State Boating Industry Associations. 

 MIA’s International Clean Marina partner is OLEOLOGY Pty Ltd.