Dive Academy Fiji, located at Viani Bay Resort, has launched a groundbreaking clean-water initiative aimed at benefiting a nearby primary school. This initiative represents a significant step toward providing sustainable, low-maintenance, and climate-resilient water solutions for coastal communities.
The project exemplifies the resort’s broader commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community development. In collaboration with Ucunivatu Primary School and local volunteers, the academy successfully installed the region’s first solar-powered desalination unit. The installation process involved meticulous planning and execution, including transporting equipment by boat, digging trenches, laying pipelines, preparing concrete foundations, and providing operational support during the setup.
Thanks to this innovative desalination system, the school now has access to a portable solution that includes a backup generator for days with limited sunlight and storage tanks, ensuring a consistent supply of safe, fresh water. This advancement is transformative for the community, as the school currently serves 52 students, four teachers, and their families, along with a nursery group and other nearby households. Previously, the local well provided only brackish water, while rainwater harvesting methods often failed during dry conditions, leading to vulnerabilities associated with water shortages.
Marina Walser, co-founder of Dive Academy Fiji, expressed her enthusiasm for the desalination project, stating, “Our conservation and community initiatives are interconnected – from reef restoration and environmental education to scholarships and now clean drinking water. The system is simple, affordable, and practical for remote areas. It shows what can be achieved when local commitment and international support come together. We are deeply grateful to the German embassy for making this project possible.”
This initiative not only showcases the potential for sustainable solutions in remote communities but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and support in driving positive change.