Dive into conservation at Plantation Island’s BULA Reef

Plantation Island has launched the new BULA Reef, a must-see for conservation-loving kids.

Visit Plantation Island Resort and be part of a living legacy where each snorkel or dive is a step towards marine conservation. The BULA Reef is the product of a special partnership between the resort and NGO Corals for Conservation (C4C). The BULA Reef offers an unforgettable way to educate your family on the importance of our oceans while directly contributing to their preservation.

BULA Reef: A giant leap for coral conservation

A Marvel in Malolo

Located in the beautiful Malolo waters off Plantation Island Resort, BULA Reef is a pioneering project in marine conservation. Here, ocean currents merge, creating an ideal environment for a coral nursery and breeding ground. As these corals mature, they help restore the Great Sea Reef, previously damaged by marine heat waves.

Record-breaking reef

The BULA Reef is a sight to behold, spanning 16 meters in height and 45 meters across. Its structure, ‘BULA’ spelled out in metal frames, is larger than the letters of the famous Hollywood sign. This reef, now the largest of its kind, hosts over a thousand “super corals” adapted to survive intense heat, making it a historic achievement in marine conservation.

A community effort

Launched on World Oceans Day in 2024, BULA Reef’s creation was a community effort. Volunteers, students, and marine biologists from Plantation Island and ‘Corals for Conservation (C4C) worked on the project from September 2023 to June 2024 to build this underwater wonder. Supported significantly by Plantation Island Resort, it marks a new chapter in coral conservation.

Why BULA?

“BULA” is more than a name; it’s a call to action. Meaning ‘life’ in Fijian and commonly used as a greeting, the name reflects our mission to nurture and sustain coral life under stress. It’s an invitation to everyone, especially visitors, to participate in preserving this critical marine ecosystem.

Global Recognition

BULA Reef is a key component of the Reefs of Hope program, endorsed by the United Nations and UNESCO and led by the local marine scientist and C4C founder, Dr. Austin Bowden-Kerby. This program is recognised globally for its innovative approach to coral restoration, which utilises heat-resistant corals and encourages natural processes for recovery, often tended by the local fish populations.

Why it matters

This project isn’t just about restoring beauty underwater; it’s crucial for the health of our planet. Coral reefs protect coastlines, support marine life, and sustain local communities. By supporting BULA Reef, visitors contribute to a global effort to combat coral bleaching caused by climate change.

Join Plantation Island’s Coral Guardians: A family adventure under the sea

Plantation Island based Dulcinea Charters Fiji, a snorkelling concession out of the resort, invites guests to visit some of the restoration and other nursery sites on a weekly basis, accompanied by a resort marine biologist as your guide.

Prefer exploring the underwater scene a little closer to the resort? No problem. Back on shore, Plantation Island guests can get crafty with cement and stones to construct handmade “fish houses”. These small igloo-shaped structures are then planted with corals to help create a better habitat for reef-dwelling fish. This is a weekly activity for children who stay at the resort and is run as a regular kids’ club activity, both fun and educational. Once completed, the fish homes are placed in calm waters close to the shore so guests can see them while snorkelling.

Visit Plantation Island Resort to see how tourism can harmonise with significant conservation efforts. It’s an opportunity to educate your family about environmental stewardship while enjoying a slice of paradise.

This article was produced with content supplied by Plantation Island Resort and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.

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