Tag: UN (Page 1 of 2)

The Script for Transformation

 

Historic Kilauea Lighthouse. Kilauea Hawaii

Transitions leading to transformation continue to exceed imagined speeds, both globally, and locally. Sometimes it occurs like we are all collectively dancing the “Cha-Cha” or “Tango” going backwards to thrust forward, in a rhythm created by the tension of opposing forces, coming to one. A triune perspective, like the wholeness of the Yin-Yang symbol, helps temper the warming-heating contrast to go forward with momentum needed to better build movement and strengthen a collective consciousness of being in a myriad of crises, on this one Planet Earth.

Aligned in the depths of the mission and vision of what started as a Call for a “World Team” and morphed from Team World Corps, non-profit, and ultimately residing in our named registered; “World Team Now,” says the words of the visions’ priorities.  What if all in the world worked together as a team? Taking action together, teaming-up? The vision was to change the perspective of even divided hemispheres, the Global North against the Global South, but instead a real whole, World Team that united for our collective survival of all species in harmony with one another. Then what would be the goals?  WHO do we play against? What is the equivalent of a global race or game, that needs to be won for our future?  This movement is organically unfolding with little help from the mysterious ways that come from higher up.

Opening plenary, SDG Action Weekend 9/16/2023

The United Nations (UN) “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) — yes, in one’s brain the acronym tends to get confused with a contagious disease.  The UN speaks the language of acronyms, and this one gets a laugh or cry as we’ve learned when sharing about the goals publically most recently in Kauai, Hawaii USA. World Team Now’s systems solutions work on island resiliency and for the health of waters, especially the Ocean with a curriculum.

Bi-location is something many of us wanted to master, but now the team was growing to have at least one of us physically representing at the UN, and one on an island.  The beauty of these times is we can have a virtual and actual physical presence. Now there are so many people with the common vision each going forward in their own creative way at the United Nations and especially on islands to hold the light for a future.

The ironic laugh or cry in the corridors inside plenaries of the United Nations meeting rooms, on the home island of Manhattan is more about the seriousness of the situation we are in collectively with natural resources to be reprioritized. The Global Goals, targets and indicators to be achieved by 2030 are ambitious.  “Pie in the Sky,” is a remark I heard along the journey of World Team, too, but it is important to have values to aim for, however like regions of the world boundaries divided what divides us can limit us until the division is united by us people.

SDG Media Zone at the SDG Action Weekend & Summit

This Sustainable Development Goals Summit that preceded the 78th UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) was to take a look at our progress and set the tone for the work towards much needed transformation— action, beyond the bureaucratic siloed approach that has contributed to the crises we face, in the effort to aid. The perspective is what was called to check, at this half-time point since in 2015, and how to engage all people.  It is becoming more clear as what was falls away and becomes beyond the future we want, is the future that is Divinely inspired to become us all to remain being human here

Thankfully, these thoughts contemplated over 5 decades ago, are becoming a collective priority, expressed in myriads of diverse ways of action, played out creatively.  Next year more of the movement will play out in the public sphere to inspire all to participate. Out of the opposing tension of contrasting views, beliefs, and values in civil society, governments, corporations, and institutions, births an opportunity to see the light of peace collectively.

Especially prioritized in the hearts of youth today— peace in creative collective action is being demonstrated.  Youth armed with indigenous wisdom passed forward, innovative science and pioneering technology to lead with a Call for “All People”….

All People, those words remind of the lyrics of a beautiful song written by souls called “Voices of the World” gifted to us to use from brothers and sisters, a family of a common Call, as each individual made it to the Earth Summit / Global Forum in Rio Di Janiero for World Team decades ago that forged a bond over the years continuing to build on the collective movement.

Sunset North Shore Kauai

Here is where the Biodiversity Treaty, Law of the Sea, the annual Conference of the Parties COP, and other globally carved out efforts to meet and take on collective global environmental and social challenges rooted in the hearts. Many of these documents of global public policy roots were in those grounds of RIO or Rio+20, and now getting ready for COP28.  So many individuals committed to the long journey to show a resilient world with net zero energy and renewed systems coming back to respect an intimacy for nature-based solutions, for the next generation— for a regenerative future!

Although not from the present vantage point predictable, the 17 SDGs, aka the Global Goals, are for the higher possibility of what we each could be individually or together for the future transcending our past patterns and systems of organizing life on planet earth, ideally beyond one country.

In each breath, there is a choice to make a difference, in 24hrs/1Day, and/or a lifetime, sometimes we each have a choice of what to prioritize, and we all have in common a capacity to love. How do we make our place where love could be the priority for all by how we live?

SDG Digital, to accelerate the SDGs by digitization Sunday, Sept 17, 2023, UN SDG Action Weekend

With our roots in intercultural New York, state of mind, and at the UN SDG Summit, as world leaders have come together, and with our feet still in the sand, for resiliency in Kauai, Hawaii; bi-location would be of value, as we grow this team.

Holding the vision for World Team amidst a myriad of ways to “organize the world” through crises, allows for something organic to emerge. When not floating on the Ocean, teaching, advocating, and working on the curricula for certification we are virtually building out a World Team.  We hope to show you more soon.

Ocean Float

With the Ocean-Float Skate-Roll we are growing a way to represent and engage our communities in different places to experience more intimacy with the earth, land (A’aina) and Ocean waters (Moana, Kai). We are excited about the Ocean-Float curricula; clear the past out and join us in the Ocean, for the OCEAN, and YOU, and us all.

We have donated some sessions for Ocean-Float and Skate Roll to the auction now taking place virtually to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the legendary CK Chu Tai Chi, in New York, NY USA.  The studio has not only helped transform us, but the neighborhood, and the island of Manhattan.  It is remarkable to witness the energy contributed to Times Square, NYC, where Ck Chu Tai Chi is based, and all who Teamed-up for the transformation of the heart of the city.  Team-up for transformation is key. Hope you can join us in this next chapter of island Ocean advocacy works teaming-up for us as One Body starting with one body— or all parts of us.  Along with one’s mind and spirit and soul there in, we practice being one with all within and throughout.

North Shore Kauai with ideal ocean conditions for Ocean-Float

World Team Now’s approach to the Sustainable Development Goals is like a sampling of small-scale systems solutions organically coming from the island innovation discovered, that is nature-based and rooted in the heritage of indigenous culture‘s wisdom, augmented by technology to boost our capacity to scale.

We are working to pilot systems solutions, consciously chosen.  For example, with transportation, Bertrand Piccard of the Solar Impulse shares the overview of that system vision here.

The action-oriented Summit for the Future, comprising a chapeau and five chapters on sustainable development and financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology, and innovation and digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.

Specific measurable results with a “Common Agenda” for multilateralism are explained more here.

Together for environmental and social justice, as ONE, as in One People, ONE Ocean, One Body, One Earth. Teaming-up so literally, as the UN slogan goes so “no one gets left behind,” but we become one in the future.

SDG exhibit at the UN Sculpture lawn

Join Us For Ocean-Float Skate-Roll Clinics!

 

© 2023 Suzanne Maxx All Rights Reserved

Here in Kauai, Hawaii, the Ocean Tide is coming in for us collectively with organizing our summer Ocean Float and Skate-Roll Clinics and curricula.  The tide is augmented with UN’s World Ocean Day, Coral Triangle Day, UNESCO Decade of Ocean— all on the heels of World Environment Day moving into Solstice June 21st. “Gratitude” is still our font for the OCEAN!

We have some exciting news to share about the summer clinics, “Ocean-Float” and “Skate-Roll,” also with private custom experiences we are inviting you to join us in Hawaii this summer for a Clinic, Private/Group “Experience” or Certification.

These two themes of the blue on World Ocean Day and the green every day and from World Environment Day, are very close to our hearts as World Team Now grows. The idea of everyone altogether beyond the confines of time, distance, borders, or even days; yields the spirit’s freedom in each breath…

With the Ocean-Float, Skate-Roll Campaign we are training, and coaching to build out “movement” of people loving nature, and living in action with more intimacy of the Ocean and Land. We offer certification for in-line, and roller skating on already paved or surfaced land. A certification to teach the original Ocean-Float therapeutic whole-being workout is offered, to do more than reset your vagal nerve for a somatic approach to healing.

The Ocean Float Sessions are in calm waters either past the Ocean’s break or in a cove.  The entire 1-3 hr. session is done on one’s back.  While floating one’s spine lies directly on the healing Ocean’s surface of the water. This therapeutic modality is being studied closely for neurological healing, as an anti-inflammatory modality, and potential healing of autoimmune conditions, diseases, and more.

During the Ocean Float, we balance between floating in postures for relaxation and whole-being workout of each of the human body’s systems from cardiovascular to metabolic. The Ocean-Atmosphere nexus, the native culture indigenous traditions, physics, and biodiversity are all part of the session’s curricula, too. We also offer a certification, for Ocean-Float, so more people will come to love being intimate stewards of the living Ocean.

By building communities of practice, we play to transform ourselves and the world around us. By growing greater awareness of life on land and in the ocean, we come into better balance of giving back and receiving nature’s gifts. As we learn about the local indigenous culture and the truest sense of Aloha in, the spirit of “Mālama ka ‘aina,” (Hawaiian words meaning, “giving back to the land and the sea”).

By learning from the water’s flow, and adapting to change, we gain flexibility. Outside of rigid structures, there is a freedom beyond measurement that helps us go beyond the expectations of time bounds and other constraints, and embrace a world of possibilities. One’s presence is realized as a gift, breathing life force, “present” by giving and receiving in equal balance. Breathwork, in movement, where one’s body is moving at a different rate from the skate’s roll, or the Ocean’s float through currents; yields greater consciousness, and a somatic healing experience.

The healing of the Earth’s body and ocean has made significant strides this year with a global piece of policy finally on The Law of the Sea, a campaign we’ve been active with since 1992 prior to the start-up of WTN.

The weather and climate are changing, and together we respond to the changes that come up, and we work to embrace what is present. For example, if it is storming we will weave in other experiences that make the most of the moment, flexible, committed yet unattached to the way your flow experience comes…

The Adventure we are inviting you to create is custom-made to be a memorable experience that calibrates us all to be truly present in the moment, on the island, and in the Ocean. We cater to support your journey to be unique and bring a wealth of experience to share.

If you were one of the many people who have given to World Team Now and the World Team project with your time, talent, or treasure over the years, we would like to give back to you. Come join us in clean air surrounded by one of the lushest tropical environments imaginable.

Click here to join us and learn more about our Ocean-Flat and Skate-Roll curricula.

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 4 Global View

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now

Continued; Part 4

Koro Sun Resort

Birds Eye Point of View of Koro Sun Resort  Vanua Levu, Fiji © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

 

Floating Bures © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

Koro Sun Resort’s 160-acre sanctuary on the island of Vanua Levu is a sprawling property that covers a campus of acres prominent in its attention to horticulture and landscape design that integrates with cutting-edge architecture. The various sections of the resort’s premises are incredibly diverse and are like worlds of their own. There are the rainforest lodge and spa, as well as the first Fijian floating Bures that allow guests to stay on the lagoon, literally sleeping on the ocean. In the floating ocean Edgewater Bures, ocean architect Joe Nelson’s design allows guests to dive from their deck into the water, like from an anchored yacht.  The lessons learned from TC Winston are giving Joe Nelson a powerful advantage in design, architecture, and how to build with the ocean, for islands.  He is a leading pioneer for renewable energy on islands.  The renewable energy path, and allow an island advantage.

The various sections of the resort’s premises are like worlds of their own, and incredibly diverse. There are the rainforest lodge and spa, a pristine waterfall lake, an underwater pearl farm, and the extraordinary reefs and nearby tiny islands.

 

Verdant Lawn © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

A walk to the other end of the resort brings you through exquisite ponds with floating lotus flowers that are reminiscent of Claude Monet’s garden paintings and landscapes, and the trees, plants, and flowers create a utopian environment that stretches the imagination. One of the luxuries Koro Sun offers is the coveted private outdoor shower, enclosed and surrounded by tropical flowering plants, and with over 50 guest rooms and villas, Koro Sun Resort is the ideal environment for large groups on retreat.

 

 

Water Lily Pond © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

Water Lily Pond © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

The all-natural eco foot massage, including native botanical scrub, is one of the coveted Koro Sun Rainforest Spa treatments that leaves guests feeling as though they are walking on water with flower essence surrounding them. The clear water lagoon is ideal for such ocean activities as kayaking and swimming, and the infinity pool that flows over the ocean has a tranquil scope of the vast ocean and reef systems beyond.

The Infinity pool, the ocean, and the sky are endless. © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa Nadi  & The Holiday Inn Suva

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa© Photo By Suzanne Maxx

There are two staple places on each side of Fiji’s Viti Levu, en route to Eco Resorts while the traveler is adjusting to dramatic time zone shifts and jet lag coming from the USA, and these provide a solid ground to catch your breath before getting into the Eco Adventure.

The Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa in Nadi on Denarau Island is close to Fiji’s only international airport in Nadi. This destination resort goes beyond the usual franchise model into island luxury and delicacies that add creature comforts.At the Hilton, guests can have a massage by the ocean or the pool and choose from many treatments at their award-winning Pevonia concept spa.

Dinner at Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

Luxury villas and suites include a kitchen, BBQ on the ocean side deck, and a washer and dryer which saves money and makes long-term travel more sustainable.

The Hilton has various stores with healthy items, an island tropical gourmet Deli, and a full kitchen and laundry option in the condo that saves economically. The recycling program is a leader, as the recycling programs in Nadi are relatively new. There are some fabulous restaurants onsite at the Hilton destination resort that have locally sourced native-grown farm-to-table food, natively called; “Kana-Mai-Na-Were.”

The Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa in Nadi on Denarau Island © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

The Holiday Inn Suva Fiji is in the capital’s government and business hub. This Holiday Inn has a 24/7 business center, a lobby that remains the center of networking for the Suva area, and the buffet that offers a plethora of choices including Fijian favorites

Each of these places goes beyond the usual franchise business model into island luxury and delicacies that add creature comforts, including some eco-amenities like solar hot water heaters and recycling.

At both places, you can expect onsite fine dining, networking opportunities, solid Internet connection, and TV, along with otherworldly developed creature comforts that help to accommodate the transition into living the Fiji sustainability dream and then going back to the commercially developed world.

 

The Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa in Nadi on Denarau Island © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

 

Aviation and Transformation Taking Flight

Sunflower Aviation offers the Waya discovery sector trip where you fly over the heart-shaped island Tavarua, a surfing paradise. Photo by Sunflower Airways

Of all Fiji’s treasures, the most valuable may be the welcoming character and the loving nature of the Fijian people and culture, and even industries, such as Fiji Airlines, welcome visitors in a big way.

For inter-island transportation, in addition to Fiji Airlines and Turtle Airways, there is the Pacific Flying School where skydiving and learning to fly a plane are options. Sunflower Aviation can support the exploration to find your special island in Fiji for an eco-adventure. Its owners, Tim Joyce and his wife Susan, who have more than 30 years aviation experience, own three other companies: Heli-Tours Fiji, Skydive Fiji, and Adventure Sailing, Fiji. Tim graciously took us under his wing, hosting, while in Fiji. He is sympathetic World Team’s vision and mission and is involved with humanitarian efforts using flight for aid. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with his company. Tim and his company’s shooting star was shining brightly from skydiving over the Fiji 7’s Olympic WIN!

Fiji’s Eco Resorts demonstrate more than the imaginative blending of ecology and economy, beyond the small islands’ welcoming expression Bula!  Fiji might lead a path to a green economy, in the execution of the long-term plan with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Green and Blue Bonds, and can potentially be a winning formula for an economic basis to live in better balance with nature.

Fiji is in an active leadership position to advance national-level goals that ideally would help meet the UN’s Global Goals, called the Sustainable Development Goals. Fiji needs more governments to support the climate initiative, but this is an all hands on deck time for our world and every sector‘s participation is needed to carve out not just a sustainably developed future, but a renewed and transformed future.

© Photo By Suzanne Maxx © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

In Bonn, Germany @COP23 Bonn, in November, negotiations continue on a set of rules for the Paris Agreement, which took effect last year.  Fiji is in charge of leading the organization of this UNFCC event. From the Government of Fiji Minister Inia Seruiratu shared about the campaign Unite4Climate.  The coming of age of the annual youth conference COY13 foreshadows UNFCC COP23in Bonn Germany. After COP23 Civil Society will gather in Suva, Fiji for action. Our World Team project plans to give more people the opportunity to participate, at this important time.

Inia Seruiratu, Uniting 4 Climate SDG Media Zone 21 Sept 2017

Inia Video 1  Uniting 4 Climate, SDG Media Zone (18-22 September 2017)
21 Sep 2017 –  Speakers: Mr. Inia Seruiratu, (Minister of Agriculture, Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Fiji (Climate Champion)), Ms. Ingrid Hoven, (Director-General, Global Issues—Sector Policies and Programmes at the Federal Ministry Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)), Mr. Francesco La Camera, (Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Italy)
Moderator: Mr. Max Edkins, (Climate Change Expert, World Bank)

Inia Seruiratu, , Global Climate Action Agenda (Climate Champions), SDG Media Zone 21 Sept 2017

Inia video 2 Global Climate Action Agenda (Climate Champions), SDG Media Zone (18-22 September 2017)
21 Sep 2017 –  Speakers: Mr. Inia Seruiratu, (Minister of Agriculture, Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Fiji (Climate Champion)), Mr. Feike Sijbesma, (World Bank Climate Champion)
Moderator: Mr. John Roome, Senior Director, Climate Change, World Bank.

 

Fiji’s Prime Minister Jorge Frank Bainimarama addressing the United Nations Climate Change Conference

“Our Presidency will keep the interests of all nations, including those that are low-lying and vulnerable, at the forefront of our negotiations,” said Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.

Bainimarama said he will highlight the risks faced by low-lying countries in a warming world.

We considered that the developed future may look different to those people living cradle-to-cradle with natural systems, such as witnessed with the Pacific Islanders in Fiji (and Samoa—watch for our upcoming blog). The burden of the developed nations of the world that contributes to anthropogenic climate change (human-induced climate change), has a debt to pay to this region.  There is also a history of nuclear testing on another’s land and ocean region in the Pacific Islands, Our World Team project aims to do our part in balancing resources and demonstrating transformation.  We believe it is possible to have a more balanced world that promotes equality among all living in our common home.

Arrangement of local flowers © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

We were surprised to find such a welcome Home in Fiji! We discovered a path for our World Team project to live into our renewable vision in the Pacific Islands. With our eyes set on the year 2020, we can clearly see how our World Team project might unfold to support the future of our common home by demonstrating solutions. The solutions demonstrated in the World Team media platform and in their subsequent developing projects can be a tool not just for the United Nations in realizing the Global Goals by the target year of 2030, but for all people. How can humanity live in better balance with one another and our resources?

Our World Team project plans to demonstrate an inspirational answer with our island projects.  Yet it is not just for islands to answer. Through the transformation of the old, and demonstration of new and alternative systems we may better discover how humanity lives in balance with nature on this planet. In Fiji, World Team sees the opportunity to demonstrate a vision of transformation, one village or island at a time.  A possible vision for humanity’s future generations, and on earth through time.

This would not just be a chance to give back, but would also be a chance to learn from the indigenous approaches of the Pacific Islanders and create a way, with World Team, to affect and live out these interconnected 17 goals. We discovered that the prioritization of values, choosing to live close to nature, matches ours within the World Team project, and indeed it is through the people where change can happen powerfully. I can trace my Call to back beyond the World Team project, and beyond my early youth, but here is where my action that began when I was 10 years old, read more here.  It has been wonderful to watch the YOUNGO grow the youth movement to aid the social and environmental change, since back in Copenhagen at COP15.

Youth in the Lead: A conversation with the young people changing global policy, SDG Media Zone 19 Sept 2017

Youth in the Lead: A conversation with the young people changing global policy, SDG Media Zone (18-22 September 2017)19 Sep 2017 – Speakers: Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, (UN Envoy on Youth), Ms. Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo, (Member of Parliament of Botswana), Ms. Sebastian Kurz, (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Austria)

Youth in the Lead: A conversation with the young people changing global policy, SDG Media Zone 19 Sept 2017

Youth in the Lead: A conversation with the young people changing global policy, SDG Media Zone (18-22 September 2017) 19 Sep 2017 – Speakers: Riley Claremont, College of Charleston, Veronique Hutt, College of Charleston, Abby Grand, College of CharlestonModerator: Ms. Paulina Kubiak/DPI

As the youth both lead the way forward and simultaneously learn from the elders, so too might the Small Island States better prioritize a path forward for the developed world. Fiji raises hope for our common resources that we will all be inspired to play to transform the world and at least demonstrate the possibilities for large ocean island states. Fiji just might win a high quality of life with its immeasurable ecological and economic benefits for all people and our common home.

Solutions Hour – Voluntary Commitment & Announcements — SDG Media Zone, The Ocean Conference 8 June 2017

We are excited to have the opportunity to work in the Pacific Island Region, as we have begun to with Fiji. Islands are our Call, (Islands R’ US, the campaign has begun) and we are enthusiastic about what can be accomplished coming together with and for islands. With Fiji leading the United Nations COP23, and our incipient feet-on-the-ground actions in the upcoming period of time, we are embracing transformation.  As with all crisis, there is also the opportunity.

 

 

 

Summary of World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Posts

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads from the Pacific Islands Part 1 Turtle Island ©

By Suzanne Maxx © The Pacific Island Region seemed to call, and last year I went on an adventure to ...

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 2 Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now Fiji Part 2 Travel to the Yasawa Islands to... Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort Leading the ...

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 3 JMC

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now Continued; Part 3 Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort So too, our love for the ocean is ...

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 4 Global View

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now Continued; Part 4 Koro Sun Resort Koro Sun Resort’s 160-acre sanctuary on the island ...

#Fiji #PacificIslands, #Jean-MichelCousteauResort, #ECOresorts, #WorldTeam, #SOS-IS #Uniting4Climate @Connect4Climate @COP23, #UN #SDG#14 #Jean-MichelCousteau, #FabienCousteau, 

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 3 JMC

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now

 

Continued; Part 3

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

So too, our love for the ocean is individual and our work with the dolphins and floating in the ocean is a personal expression, eyes around the world have been opened to the world within the ocean, due to the gifts that Jacque Yves Cousteau passed forward. There are sweet memories of how Jacque Cousteau inspired us with his words and actions at the U.N. ‘s Earth Summit and Global Forum in Rio in 1992, three years into the journey of the World Team.

The grand reopening of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (JMC), in Savusavu on the island of Vanua Levu, continues the legacy of ocean exploration that lives on for the whole Cousteau family, with educational programs and experiential activities related to everything that has to do with the ocean. Like sea glass that is tossed in the ocean’s current to become more luminescent and smooth over time, the resort’s transformation mirrors the fabulous recovery after the Category 5 cyclone, TC Winston. The JMC bears the Cousteau name, now an iconic brand for ocean exploration and education, thanks to Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the Marine Biologist, Diver and Explorer, being a true pioneer for the oceans and all species that make the ocean their home.

The ocean philosophy of the Cousteaus,  comes alive here at the resort, passing the love of the ocean forward to future generations. The Jacques Yves Cousteau  said, “People protect what they love.” This resort and its programs help continue the legacy of giving back experientially, as Jacques Cousteau’s philosophy is more than mere words; “When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself.” The experiential educator Jacques Cousteau not only passed down his passion and love of the ocean to Jean-Michel Cousteau (his son) with his non-profit Ocean Futures Society, but his living legacy continues to inspire the next generation of The Cousteau Ocean Legacy. Each Cousteau family member contributes, with a diversity of personalities to express their love of the ocean.

“It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert” –Jacques Cousteau

Down to the next generation, to Aquanaut Fabien Cousteau, JMC’s  his grandson, who now carries exploration to new depths with the newly launched Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center. Fabien continues his stand for the ocean as he champions sharks, and most recently broke his Grandfather’s world record, staying underwater for 31 days. World Team Now applauds the  Cousteaus’ collective vision, for us each to use our lives, with the gifts we each have, to leave a legacy that embraces, each person, species and what can be contributed to the oceans and our common home.  Jean-Michel too has done that and passed it forward. World Team Now aligns with Fabien Cousteau’s approach to ocean education and gave him the “Pioneer for the Planet” award for what he is envisioning now.

Fabien Cousteau

Celine Cousteau, Jean Michel’s daughter, is also doing her part to expand the family legacy with Cause Films and preservation of species on the land and under the water. Her works range from indigenous tribes in the Amazon to exploring possibilities on Easter Island. The legacy of the whole family continues passing forward a wealth of knowledge that has wisdom for us all. The extended Cousteau inspires family’s efforts altogether support our message; that there is a place for everyone.

The Cousteau lineage comes with political will that is a timeless call for the oceans, and humanity’s role in living with what dominates our planet. Cousteau’s stand was successful in influencing two USA Presidents, of different political parties, both to see the value of the ocean and to take action to designate, first, a 1,200-mile chain of Northwest Hawaiian Islands a Marine National Monument, and now, through President Obama, a four-times-expanded protected area of the ocean. Even the adjacent area around the JMC in Fiji has now become a Marine preserve and the Cousteau team is working to create more marine protected areas that will hopefully remain for future generations.  Here is a chance to  Explore the Pacific Island Marine Sanctuaries with Jean-Michel Cousteau (his most recent book),

In Fiji and other areas of the tropical Pacific, many villages have established marine protected areas where, in order to ensure a healthy ecosystem, the local residents don’t allow fishing. Enforcing the ban on fishing depends on community support for protecting the reefs, which are part of the local culture and can provide economic benefits through tourism and spillover of fish to the areas where harvesting is allowed.

At the Jean-Michel Cousteau (JMC) Resort, there is an ocean experience or program for every age.  The JMC rides on the legend of passing the ocean wisdom of stewardship to all in the family, to explore, teach, research, and inspire others with ocean adventures, also in the luxury resort setting. Cousteau’s mastery in passing forward an underwater experience through television, film, and every source of presentation imaginable continues as the heart of the experiential education and woven through the resort experience.

While there, you can go for one of the extraordinary scuba dive adventures. More advanced divers can get their Dive Certification from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, some of the best scuba pros in the world. Leading ecological tourism, Jean-Michel Cousteau created L’Aventure, a flagship dive operation at the ocean side Fiji resort. A leading eco-advantage at the JMC is the resident marine biologist Johnny Singh, who does more than lead incredible scuba diving and snorkel adventures. In the evenings, he gives an educational slide show with topics that range from “Coral Reefs” to “Shark’s Biodiversity.” There are over a dozen dive sites to choose from, and one of the top ten dive locations in the world is Namena Island Reserve, an uninhabited protected area with a fish and bird sanctuary. On a Namena dive, there are fabulous opportunities to see larger species, including reef, white, and black tooth sharks, tuna, barracuda, and stingrays, plus hard and soft coral, which all add up to make this a world-class dive site.

The JMC leads with their numerous ocean programs, for youth and adults alike; diving adventures that now go beyond bringing back a wealth of information pass on stewardship of the ocean to inspire the next generation of aquanauts.

The region is full of beautiful tropical birds that are making a comeback. In the protected Namena Island Bird Sanctuary, you can spot the threatened Red-Footed Booby. These birds can dive up to almost 100 ft. to catch their ocean prey.

The Cousteau team is working to have more marine protected areas. Recently, the Nukubalavu Marine Reserve was formed for the next 20 years from a local initiative. Johnny Singh shared, “I’ve seen a lot of change in the last ten years, but I still see in October the southern Humpback and Sperm Whales which migrate from Australia—they are breeding and calving—and the Silver Spinner Dolphins can be found breaching year around.”  Johnny explained that since 2002, with the Marine Protected Areas, the community fights to restock the reefs and repopulate fish. The Ministry of Fisheries has helped the comeback and Dr. Richard Murphy from Ocean Futures Foundation has been another knowledgeable source for their program.

Marine Biologist Johnny Singh © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

The lessons learned help JMC build a sustainable destination resort with systems that bio mimic nature, and use nature for balance. They use natural plants for pesticide control, which is a leading approach among Eco Resorts. The wastewater filtration system is designed to create a biodiverse natural pond and wetlands environment for natural self-cleaning. The drinking water comes from the village and uses four stages of advanced filtration, and ultraviolet light for purification. The Medicine Walk continues the legacy of Niumaia Kavika, a famous medicine man who worked there to pass on a wealth of knowledge about the use of local plants for their healing and beneficial properties.

Plants are key and the Mangrove Reforestation program works with the seeding and tagging to restore the ecosystems and prevent further coastal erosion. The Coral and Giant Clam Farms are two initiatives that support eco goals too. The coral fragments are collected, regrown, and replanted on reefs. The Giant Clam Farm protects the growing years of the clam in the ocean by re-planting them in protected areas to husband their aging. Giant clams live beyond 100 years, can weigh over 500 lbs. and are overharvested—being a sought-after delicacy has made them increasingly scarce.

There is a lot to take away from this Eco Resort about life’s systems, with age-appropriate experiential learning, which lives throughout all the fun ocean programs of the Cousteau family. The resort makes interactive marine biology accessible to all people of all ages, with programs for Adults, Bula, Teens, and 6–12-years groups. A Mama is customarily assigned to every child guest under the age of five years, for free, and families are well catered to beyond what they learn. At the JMC, all can be pampered, and learn about the ocean.

Organic Garden at JMC Resort © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

One thing that helps make JMC unique is Navia Navia, a private island that offers guests exclusivity and privacy, and can be rented for various amounts of time in order to spend sacred alone time in paradise with the one you love. The food at Cousteau is something to write home about. Fifteen years and growing, the organic gardens offer fresh local island vegetables, tropical fruit, edible flowers, and herbs growing on the two acres that are surrounded by island flowers and play areas. Both Fijian style farm- and sea-to-table make for pure culinary heaven, with a global influence. The organic garden is a rarity among resorts in the Fiji Islands, which gives JMC a healthy-body ecology lead.  The culinary options are exquisite and scrumptious, with some of the best Asia-fused Pacific fare influenced by the talented Executive Chef, Raymond Lee. Chef Lee supervises the traditional Fijian “Lovo” feast celebrated every week at the resort, with delicacies cooked in the fire pit by hot embers covered with banana leaves. Lee offers a Junior Chef program where youths can harvest the plants for meals and learn about the cradle-to-cradle systems, including composting. The garden and children’s play area is a lovely venue to spend time in and around, with programs to support the growth of all.

Spa Bed © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

The JMC spa massage treatments follow suit, with all-natural and locally harvested coconut oil, gifted therapist hands, native Fijian plant essences, and the Bobo massage.

Eco is incorporated, along with luxury, in all the systems at the Cousteau Resort, in the Oceanside bungalow Bures that are replete with LED lights, solar on-demand hot water, and all the cushy comforts, such as a hammock and huge bath that are needed to thoroughly enjoy island life. Throughout the resort, efficiency is integrated with lighting motion sensors or timers on equipment, and the resort has a comprehensive recycling program.  Read more about the sustainability efforts here.

Wedding © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

The Cousteau Resort is an ideal place to get married. There are many romantic wedding packages to choose from in an extraordinary setting, and it becomes more economical combining the honeymoon and wedding together at the same venue, with many wonderful activities that can add to the beginning of a loving lifelong adventure, including local fishing, touring in a glass bottom boat, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, volleyball, tennis, kayaking, eco-touring, medicine walking, and Fijian storytelling.

The JMC and the local village Nukubalavu balance the tourism industry that supports the local economy by employing villagers, and by having the charity Savusavu Foundation for the village support one another. In Nukubalavu we found; family.  Most of the village of Nukubalavu is the driving workforce at the Jean-Michael Cousteau Resort. Guests staying at JMC get to visit the village and see the culture and extraordinary dance. One family from the village of Nukubalavu was instrumental in World Team’s entire journey with Fiji (soon we will share more about the extraordinary people that helped make the journey to Fiji next, but a special shout out to Iowane Ritova and Andrea Fono).  I was welcomed to stay in the village and shared a Fijian feast of native delights.  I learned of the village’s needs, for water, sanitation, renewable energy, and saw the opportunity for a future project for World Team Now. I met with the local Ratu in the village and shared Kava. We are thankful to the villagers, especially Iowane Rivota who has become a World Team member and has been active in supporting and sharing  WTN’s efforts in Fiji.  World Team Now gained another partner in the Village of Nukubalavu in our UN Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Sustainable Solutions Oceans Opportunities on Small Island States (SOS-IS).

A hermit crab race is a regular fundraiser event for the Savusavu Foundation striving to give back to the community through various efforts, including raising funds to help build a kindergarten teamwork is needed as all of the villages hard hit by TC Winston can still use support.

The staff at the JMC that keeps the native Fiji Bula genuine comes primarily from the nearby villages of Nukubalavu who live out the Fijian legend of consideration and love of others and bend over backward to make sure every child, adult, and mangrove, is respected and cared for in this Fijian island experience.

A population of 200 village staff work at the JMC. General Manager Bart Simpson explained, “Half of the villagers had lost their homes in the two tidal waves from TC Winston.” A local villager was running for higher ground as fast as he could and confessed, “By God, I think I’m going to die, my house is following me,” because it was being carried by sea 10 meters away from him.

The Cousteau architectural philosophy includes a lineage of interest to build with the ocean, which is the challenge these islands face at this time. To resist the temptation of a rock wall, and move up away from the sea to reclaim land is a challenge. Once the land is underwater there is a question about boundaries. Adjacent Boundaries of National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) is indeed a United Nations conversation about a sustainable future in a process for large ocean states like Fiji.  There is a sustainable energy vision for the 25 Bures on the 17 acres at JMC, and future generations of staff, their kids or grandchildren, continue the legacy. “The Ocean is reclaiming land every year” explained Bart Simpson, the Resort’s Manager, who has noticed a change in the eight years since he arrived. Bart said, “Moving towards ecology affected by climate change and sea level rise, we have been losing land in a short timeline… True to traditional Fijian culture, the JMC strives to be sustainable, and multi-cultural.” The Cousteau family’s commitment to the ocean is to demonstrate innovative solutions, educate, and be stewards for all the species that find a home in the ocean.

Savusavu art © Photo By Suzanne Maxx

The Savusavu local arts and handicraft section of the Farmer’s Market share the locals’ use of natural resources, with unique handmade gifts that are sold by village artists, farmers who sell produce, and performing musicians. J. Hunter Pearls provides a rare opportunity to find that precious rarity of a pearl in its raw natural environment because the Savusavu Bay’s underwater oyster farm offers not just the oyster and the pearl, but also ocean wisdom.  There are many gifts to take away from this region, but the value of a family’s legacy is immeasurable, as are the experiential souvenirs tattooed on the heart when learning to thrive with and in the ocean. This is ingrained in the Cousteau Resort experience and is a timeless present.

It is hard to leave the JMC without feeling like you are leaving home, a place where all belong.

Summary of World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Posts

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads from the Pacific Islands Part 1 Turtle Island ©

By Suzanne Maxx © The Pacific Island Region seemed to call, and last year I went on an adventure to ...

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By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now Fiji Part 2 Travel to the Yasawa Islands to... Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort Leading the ...

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#Fiji #PacificIslands, #Jean-MichelCousteauResort, #ECOresorts, #WorldTeam, #SOS-IS #Uniting4Climate @Connect4Climate @COP23, #UN #SDG#14 #Jean-MichelCousteau, #FabienCousteau, 

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 2 Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort


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By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now

Fiji Part 2 Travel to the Yasawa Islands to…

Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort

The defining rock of the Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort Photo by Suzanne Maxx

Leading the Eco Resorts in terms of cost, meaning economy, Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort is one of the top destinations. A Native-owned small island resort, Wayalailai Ecohaven can be reached on the convenient island-hopper boat, the Yasawa Flyer. This preeminent Eco Resort, with very simple cottages, is nestled in a small beachside village against the rocky cliffs. Beyond being a backpacker’s heaven with climbing and swimming adventures galore, it is led by natives who know the region and are full of island stories and healthy tidbits to get you a natural workout. It is a dream place for the visitor’s bang for the buck.  

Wayalailai Bungalows, and Dorms Photo by Suzanne Maxx

But it is not just the tourist who benefits from Wayalailai Resort, it is the Islanders. The resort is 100% locally owned Fijian, and employs islanders and also hosts a boarding school on the other side of Wayasewa Island.  The profits of the resort go to the local school, village improvements and the church.

Yasawa Flyer Photo by Suzanne Maxx

Wayalailai Resort has renewable energy goals and is at the same time rebuilding from the hurricanes, which have unfortunately become more extreme and frequent. Housekeeping leaves small portable solar panels out on the lawn to soak in the sun and charge phones daily. Wayalailai Resort is interested in deploying more solar to fully power an Ecohaven Resort. While there, we began brainstorming about possibilities for the future, and what a renewable future would look like for three of the village areas around the island.

Wayalailai Resort Photo by Suzanne Maxx

The resort is owned and managed by native Fijians, who put their heart into what is offered, sharing hikes up to the peak, leading native Kava ceremonies, community meals, and traditional cultural rituals. Kava is a beverage made from Piper Methysticum, a native plant. Here too, guests have the chance to participate in the Kava ritual with the local chief (Ratu), which includes cupping hands and clapping with rounded palms to keep the spirit held within the hands. Repeated three times, it changes the perception of time, with all participants sitting on the floor in a circle, journeying back to the traditional ceremony’s depth of bonding the community spiritually. All sleep well after drinking the natural Kava, which is now becoming a popular industry through the benefits of a globalized economy.

Wayalailai Resort Photo by Suzanne Maxx

Wayalailai Resort still lives close to nature and native culture and remains relatively undeveloped with one of the best value propositions on the islands. It is a true eco bargain and is wildly popular with backpackers seeking an affordable place with the basics, set above the ocean. It is loved by the college-age jet-set who are out to save and have a good time and is popular with families on a budget who all want to live close to the Fijian native culture. This resort gives people the most for the least amount of cost. Here the most vigorous adventure spirit can thrive in many ways—by awakening at sunrise for the guided hike to the top of the rocks that hover over the quaint Eco Resort and village below, going on a sunset sail, or having a beach BBQ.

Wayalailai Resort Photo by Suzanne Maxx

Everything at the resort is done on a personal basis and in a very simple way, with a focus on genuine service and support that caters to a multitude of diverse international needs. A highlight is the breadth of organized activities that integrate different cultures’ games, and ways to just play. From a really fun dance game, bobbing for apples, to a celebratory parade to celebrate Fiji 7’s win, the spirit of Bula prevails. The resort is really authentic, keeping everything close to the basics with nature and culture. Wayalailai Resort is an international portal, popular for locals, Australians, New Zealanders, and the global backpacker who is ready for Wi-Fi, ocean sports, and activities, in a friendly environment. Luxury in proportion to budget, this spot fulfills the basic needs for the minimum cost and is known as the leading Eco in economical resorts where you get the most for the least. This island allows for a true Eco spirit, a favorite to New Zealanders and Australians, as here you can really get close to more of the Fijian native culture too.

Islanders Celebrating Fiji’s Olympic Gold Medal Win Photo by Suzanne Maxx

While there, we celebrated the big Olympic Rugby Gold ceremony, and sat with the Ratu Sakaria Tuinasau (Chief’s name in Fijian) and elders for a traditional Kava ceremony, after the music and dance fun games that are a part of this resort’s integration of cultures.

After Sunset Wayalailai Eco Haven Photo by Suzanne Maxx

By a small boat, I was brought to the other side of the island by the entourage of villagers who had accompanied the local Chief (Ratu).  I was honored to be brought to the humble, yet beautiful dwelling of the Ratu to talk, share ritual and prayer in his family home, and tour the villages. Hearing the needs of the villagers left me eager to give what we could, bring in a team, contribute human capital, and resources to do our best to support their needs. On the other side of the island is a school, and two small villages. They had some solar panels but had been waiting for the inverters to be sent for over a year, so they were not functioning at the time of my visit. The villages would benefit from team efforts with water, sanitation, and renewable energy. One of the small villages near Wayalailai Resort had been destroyed by TC Winston and was still in need of the resources to rebuild at the time of my visit. Every day from there after I witnessed more opportunities for transformation and renewal of island locations.  In Nadi, I met with the manager/local owner representing the people of the island to see what the next steps might be for World Team Now to serve and support their villages and the native people of the island.

Natural Beauty on the Island of Wayasewa  Photo by Suzanne Maxx

One of the highlights at Wayalailai Resort was a snorkel trip, where I got to swim with sharks out on a reef and experience the peaceful beauty of the species that has been publically misunderstood. These are reef sharks, friendly to people and part of the biodiversity that is needed to sustain the oceans’ health. Learning to care for, respect, and understand sharks is critical, especially to transform public perception of the health of the ocean. Biodiverse systems that sustain the health of the oceans with species dependent on one another is a critical concept to embrace for a sustainable future.

Yasawa Island Fiji Photo by Suzanne Max

Eco Island Adventure  Part 3: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort to be Continued….

Summary of World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Posts

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads from the Pacific Islands Part 1 Turtle Island ©

By Suzanne Maxx © The Pacific Island Region seemed to call, and last year I went on an adventure to ...

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 2 Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now Fiji Part 2 Travel to the Yasawa Islands to... Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort Leading the ...

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 3 JMC

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now Continued; Part 3 Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort So too, our love for the ocean is ...

World Team Follows as Fiji Leads in the Pacific Island Region Part 4 Global View

By Suzanne Maxx ©World Team Now Continued; Part 4 Koro Sun Resort Koro Sun Resort’s 160-acre sanctuary on the island ...

 

#Fiji #PacificIslands #WorldTeam #SOS-IS #Uniting4Climate @Connect4Climate @COP23, #UN #SDG#14

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