In the year 2000, the United Nations embarked on an aggressive project to improve the standard of living of humanity. This project, The United Nations Millennium Goals, was tasked with substantially reducing and sustainably improving the human condition in the following areas:
- Poverty
- Hunger
- illness
- Illiteracy
- Environmental degradation
- discrimination against women
At the Millennium Summit in 2000, the Millennium Development Goals were refined into eight development goals to be achieved by the year 2015:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Achieve universal primary education
- Promote gender equality and empower women
- Reduce infant mortality rates
- To improve maternal health
- Fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases,
- Ensuring environmental sustainability
- Fostering a global partnership for development
The deadline for implementation is 2015, and the United Nations has made substantial progress in achieving many of these goals.
Bridge the Gap Village in Vorovoro, Fiji has goals that dovetail nicely with many of the United Nations Millennium Goals. As an ecotourism and sustainable development tourism destination, guests can not only explore and relax in the natural beauty of a pristine Fijian island, but also experience Fijian culture in a way not available anywhere else in the world. .
Ecological Responsibility
As a guest in Vorovoro, Fiji, you will experience an island that is ecologically responsible. Rainwater harvesting is the only source of water. There is no waste stream. Compost toilets recycle all biodegradable waste. Permaculture methods are used to help feed the island’s guests. All energy on the island is renewable. All building materials are locally sourced and most come from renewable natural resources.
Supporting the local economy
The goal of Bridge the Gap Villages in Vorovoro, Fiji is to return more than ninety percent of revenue to the local Fijian economy. Local staff are employed at a living wage. Most services come from local service companies. Most importantly, Bridge the Gap Villages Vorovoro, Fiji has the goal of making the local tribe, the Matingali, own ninety percent of Fiji within ten years. Local tribes are not only benefiting from tourist dollars spent on the island, they are becoming business owners as they learn how to start their own businesses.
Unique Business Mentoring Program
The most unique element of the Bridge the Gap Villages project in Vorovoro, Fiji, is a business mentoring program. The intent of this unique program is to find promising Fijians who are capable of running their own business. These Fijians will develop a business plan, be matched with a mentor, and be closely supported during the first three to five years of starting their business.
culturally sensitive
Guests in Vorovoro, Fiji will be shown respect for the Fijian culture they are visiting. Fijian culture is a rich mix of indigenous Fijian, Indo-Fijian, Asian and European traditions. The culture of the indigenous community is preserved as island guests will live in thatched huts, bamboo and native Fijian bures. The island cuisine of tubers, vegetables, fruit and fish is prepared in a traditional wood oven. Modern Fijian culture is rich in formalities and intricacies that show respect for communal groups. Visitors to the island will have the opportunity to participate in a nightly Kava ceremony.
Experiential Wealth
Island guests become part of the daily activities of the island as well as the local community. Guests are invited to create activities that educate themselves and subsequent visitors about the island, environment, community, traditions, and culture. Everyone is asked to help enrich the community with their unique talents, thereby helping the community thrive long after visitors have left.
Fit into the United Nations Millennium Goals
The United Nations Millennium Goals is one of the most successful projects in the history of the United Nations. The goal of halving poverty was achieved five years before the 2015 deadline. Primary school enrollment for girls equaled boys. Progress in reducing infant and maternal mortality is accelerating. The goal of halving the proportion of people without access to improved water sources has been achieved.
Despite these successes, much remains to be done. The 2012 United Nations Millennium Development Goals Report states: “Inequality is detracting from these achievements and slowing progress in other key areas. In the years to come, we have an opportunity to achieve more and shape the agenda for our future. A new agenda is taking shape.
Economic, Environmental and Social Development
Bridge the Gap Villages, with Vorovoro, Fiji, is part of this agenda. Fiji has abundant natural resources and is one of the most developed economies in the Pacific Islands region. The main sources of foreign exchange are tourism and sugar exports. Fiji is a developing nation with an exceptionally high literacy rate and education for boys and girls is on par. Yet according to the World Bank, the average Fijian lives on $12 a day. Fiji has low employment and is highly dependent on foreign aid. Improvements in infant mortality and maternal health are needed.
Ecotourism
Bridge the Gap Villages in Fiji will address many of these issues in Labasa on the northern island of Vanua Levu, formerly known as Sandalwood Island. Labasa is mainly an agricultural area that depends on sugar cane. The cultivation and production of sugarcane has declined due to the loss of markets abroad and political changes. Labasa is off the traditional tourist trail but has enough local services to support the start-up of an ecotourism center. Tourism is becoming a major industry in Vanau Levu.
empowerment of women
Bridge the Gap Villages will work to improve economic stability in the region through ecotourism. In addition, Bridge the Gap Villages will improve the economic prospects of women through the unique mentoring program. By empowering women, Bridge the Gap Villages will reduce the infant mortality rate and improve maternal health.
Building Global Partnerships
Ultimately, Bridge the Gap Villages will be part of the process of creating global partnerships for economic development in other counties. Fiji is one of the United Nations Small Island Developing States. The importance of small island developing states is in recognition that Fiji, along with fifty-one other small island states, share unique vulnerabilities in economic, environmental and social development. The lessons learned by Bridge the Gap Villages in developing ecotourism in Vorovoro, Fiji will be applied in the development of additional ecotourism sites around the world.
Travelers and guests of Bridge the Gap Villages can rest assured that their visit to Vorovoro, Fiji, will contribute to the preservation and development of the native environment, the local people, and will be a participant in one of the world’s most exciting social movements.