Matanivusi staff receive regular sustainability training seminars that educate about broader principles of sustainability as well as the specific policies of the resort. These seminars empower staff to devise new opportunities for operational efficiencies and cultural integration.

Matanivusi’s surf guides are experienced surfers and know the local breaks intimately. Guides factor in guests’ competency in selecting the most appropriate breaks on any day and know the take off spots and hazards at each. Should accidents occur, guides are all trained in surf life-saving procedures and certified in CPR/emergency first aid.

In addition to having signage around the resort that identifies native plant species, resort staff provide active interpretation of the local flora and their traditional uses to guests on the ‘Plantation Walk.’

All guest rooms and the central dining area incorporate passive solar design to eliminate the need for A/C. Rooms and walkways are raised 2 meters above the ground facilitate the circulation of air, minimise disturbance to vegetation and wildlife, and maintain natural hydrological flows.

Matanivusi provides school supplies and ongoing support to Vunaniu Village Kindergarten, and has donated 10 computers to the secondary school in Korovisilou. Village recyclables are collected from a station the resort provided at Vunaniu Village Kindergarten and taken to a recycling facility in Suva. A reimbursement per bottle/can is then donated back to the kindergarten.

Matanivusi only employs Fijians, and priority is given to prospective employees from local communities. Matanivusi supports employees’ professional growth, and provides opportunities for staff to train for other positions and work toward promotions. For example, Tony Karan started out as a barman and is now the resort manager. Emori and Lesi started in resort maintenance and have since been trained as boatmen and surf guides. Both received training to get their boat master certifications.

The resort recently donated $2,000 FD for water pipes in Vunaniu Village which are used to transport water from a mountain reservoir to the village in order to provide clean, safe, drinking water.

Matanivusi Surf Resort established the Vunaniu Surf Club (VSC) in early 2015 to provide surf instruction, lifeguard training, and sustainability education for youth in the neighboring village of Vunaniu. The local kids get stoked on surfing while participating in beach cleanups, yoga classes, and environmental programs such as Matanivusi’s coral reef restoration project. Small pieces of coral are attached to cement discs on a rack and submerged in the ocean to grow. After a year, some of the coral can be harvested to repeat the process while the rest are permanently attached to damaged sections of the reef to revive the local coral population.

Matanivusi encourages guest participation in kava ceremonies at the resort and the local village of Vunaniu, basket weaving demonstrations, and traditional Fijian underground cooking. Employees are encouraged to introduce guests to their culture and heritage.

Matanivusi guests are encouraged to visit the Biausevu waterfall, a significant historical/cultural site for the local villagers of Biausevu. The village uses admission fees and donations for conservation work around the waterfall and for projects in the village.

Guests often participate in planting a tree at the Youth Tree Nursery located along the walk to the waterfall. Once they are matured, the trees are sold and proceeds go toward youth group initiatives related to cultural activities.

Transitioning to clean energy was a main priority for the resort owners so they installed 120 rooftop solar panels in February 2015, along with a battery storage bank to supply the resort and neighboring homes with renewable energy long after the sun sets. The large diesel generator that used to power the resort was replaced with a small backup diesel generator for when there is not enough solar power stored in the batteries. These efforts reduced Matanivusi’s annual CO2 emissions by 69% and save the resort nearly $60,000 per year.

Being off the grid, all of Matanivusi’s water is supplied by harvested rainwater. Each guest room and staff quarters have large rainwater catchment tanks which supply the showers, toilets, faucets and potable water needs. Employees are regularly trained in the importance of water conservation, and guests are made aware of the need to conserve water.

Matanivusi has installed moorings at the surf breaks it utilizes to prevent damage to corals from the use of anchors. Other operators in the area are educated about how to use the moorings properly and surf guides perform routine maintenance on the moorings to ensure they are not overstressed from too many boats tieing anchor.

The resort has negotiated with local fisherman to create a fishing exclusion zone directly in front of the resort. Guides are also trained to provide quality interpretation of the local marine environment and its conservation.

Matanivusi has a small, but growing organic garden on their property that supplies their kitchen with fresh herbs and vegetables year-round.

All wastewater is treated in Biolytix Wastewater Systems located at various points throughout the resort. Filtered wastewater is then used as irrigation and natural fertiliser for landscaped gardens. Treated wastewater is tested during annual system checks.