PRESIDENT Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has been officially announced as the patron of the Honor Fiji Journey.
This was revealed on Wednesday as the Honor Fiji Journey organisers introduced themselves to potential corporate sponsors and partners at its information night.
The info night was designed to attract sponsors to fund or support the many activities leading up to and on the eight-week journey that will document and keep alive the traditional and indigenous knowledge held by elders all over Fiji.
As part of the journey, selected youths will travel on board the ship Alvei to visit areas in Yasawa, Taveuni and Tailevu and use the knowledge gained to ensure the sustainable use of land and sea resources.
Honor Fiji
Teddy Fong, co-founder of The Econesian Society which is the lead partner on the Honor Fiji Journey, said they needed a budget of $120,000. So far, $7500 has been collected.
Mr Fong said there were different grades of sponsorships available, each with different perks.
He said the society was pleading with corporate sponsors to come forward and fund efforts to ensure a sustainable future for tomorrow’s leaders.
“The main reason we are targeting corporate sponsors is because this can be an avenue for those companies seeking an opportunity to come forward and exercise their social responsibilities to Fiji,” said Mr Fong.
He said two sponsors had already come forward the first being Port Denarau Marina and a second corporate body wishing to remain anonymous.
Port Denarau Marina managing director Nigel Skeggs said their sponsorship stemmed from efforts to promote sustainability within the oceans.
“I found this to be a very interesting project that had a lot of synergies with what we are involved in, in terms of the Fiji clean boating program and looking at sustainability within the yachting industry and the unique biodiversity we have,” Mr Skeggs said.
“The oceans provide our livelihood, so it’s in the best interests of our company and all others who make their living from the land and the sea to come on board and donate to this project in whatever way possible.”
Fiji Times – Tevita Vuibau And Kitione Toroca