One of the main attractions of Treasure Island Resort is its situation as a true coral atoll in the midst of the most beautiful marine environment. This means that Marine protection should always be at the forefront of any operational procedure. An invasion of seaweed earlier this decade was a timely reminder to take care of the marine environment, and was still a major problem at the appointment of Graeme Back two years ago. Protecting the environment however goes much further than forming a marine reserve, including issues such as reduction of chemical use, enviro-friendly pest control, water conservation, sewerage and other rubbish disposal, organic gardening systems and of course, as already covered in the previous section (but to be visited again here) using only responsible suppliers and contractors.
Treasure Island achieved Green Globe accreditation as previously stated more than two years ago. To achieve Green Globe accreditation Treasure Island was required to audit and change many of its chemicals to those of a reputable eco-standard. These have also been reviewed since by management and upgraded again to even more enviro-friendly products. However a major change has taken place in that time as to how those chemicals are used. New micro-fibre cloths have been introduced throughout housekeeping and the bar and restaurant at considerable expense which reduce the need for cleaning chemical to near zero. Chemical is bought in bulk (to save packaging), but then watered down to extremely dilute for use with the special micro-fibre cloths. This has been reflected in a huge drop in chemical purchase, though new systems coming into place will still monitor amounts of chemical use via the good inwards records to check use and identify any further possible efficiencies. Guest health is monitored by the on island nurse, and notes taken of any illness clusters that may indicate the need for specialised cleaning in any bure, however there has been no marked increase in guest illness since cutting out of many of the chemicals. Investigations are underway to identify new shampoo, conditioner and washing powder and re-useable containers they could be presented in for guest use to give the the option to only use “green” products while on island too, as well as attractive laundry baskets for guest rooms to give them the opportunity to indicate not only when they would like their towels changed, but their sheets too.
Pest control on island starts always now with prevention. A recent fly invasion was not treated with large amounts of systemic insecticide as there was concern that geckos may be affected. Fans were bought in to keep flies away from specific areas while the question of where a fly could breed was investigated as the maggot part of the flies life cycle can only occur on meat products (or meat waste products). It was possible the flies were a symptom of the resorts popularity, as it had by this time been running at very high occupancies for more than 6 months, so rationalisation of the companies waste removal became a priority with more larger lidded containers bought in, and monitoring of amounts, and with that better removal systems that reduced waste removal time (and carbon footprint) synchronised with the weekly stores inwards trip from Lautoka. Consultation with a local pest company to remove mice without damaging gecko populations or leaving poison lying around also resulted in the installation of new very nifty traps. Gecko appreciation (they clean up all small pest insects around the rooms) is also included in the guest compendium where the section “Geckos are Good” explains that they are beneficial residents.
Water use is something that tends to be taken for granted in Fiji, where really it only runs out due to problems with the PWD. However even without droughts all globally responsible citizens should be reducing and conserving their water use. Treasure Island receives its water via a pipeline from the mainland, however energy is still expended in the pumping and treatment on the mainland, and the pumping of the water to Treasure Island. All new fittings , especially with the new gas shower units are now required to be water conserving, as well as consideration of the water use status of any new appliances. The last washing machine bought also only uses cold water! Water that hasn’t traveled as far is used where possible- two large (10,000l) new water tanks collect rainwater from the staff quarters roof for extra water, with more being added as part of TIL’s rainwater recovery programme; and the toilet cisterns use sea water.
Water conservation is also important on the island as all water has to be somehow removed from the island again. Regardless of how “safe” the water is made (and Treasure Island does have grey water treatment systems approved) run off off an island or indeed off a mainland property adjacent to the sea is of extreme concern. Runoff water leaches nutrients out of the soil which cause marine imbalances, and even pure water can kill coral. The decision was made at Treasure Island to move all major laundering off island to the mainland as part of responsible water management. Interestingly there has been a very significant drop in seaweed around that island in that time, however this cannot be scientifically linked to the removal of the laundry so remains anecdotal evidence only. All garden systems are “dry” i.e. water is used only to propagate or support new plantings, but this will be discussed further in the grounds case study. Certainly no responsible resort which is island based or based adjacent to the ocean (i.e. beach front) should have gardens that require extensive extra watering because of the implications of that water’s run-off. Interestingly earlier this year a large seaweed bloom off one side of the island early this year alerted management to a problem on island the week before a large break in one of the pipes on the island was detected in routine water use audits; proving that not only do the water monitoring systems in place work, but also that it is vital to have them.
There are no baths on Treasure Island, and only one small pool. Although that pool size is due more to history than to policy the new pool being planned will include depths and shapes designed to maximise customer use while minimising the actual volume; and the source water will be treated sea water rather than fresh.
Recycling of water is also of concern, after reducing as far as possible water use, as addition of water to the sewerage system compromises its removal. However water cannot be allowed to simply run off the island either, regardless of how clean it it. So while reducing use is the primary concern more complex grey water treatment systems are being investigated which can treat a large range of grey water safely including that derived from the kitchens.
The sewerage system itself was replaced in 2003, then upgraded again in 2006 to “future proof” and stay ahead of current standards. It is currently the same as those used in large municipal areas (a Smith and Loveless system) and has the added bonus of being salt tolerant, so the addition of salt water does not compromise the biological system of breakdown. It currently exceeds the standards for effluent dispersal, and these standards are monitored and measured on a regular basis to check this. However despite all assurance that the system is currently sufficient a further filtration system is being added. This will give the option of actually being able to remove solid waste by barge; which would fit into the desire to have all nutrients which come onto the island ethically and safely leave the island back to where the nutrients were derived from, which is an organic principle (i.e. nutrients from the mainland should be returned to the mainland).
Case Study: A fully Organic Gardening System
Many organic and sustainable theories are commonly applied in gardens, and any avid gardener will tell you that it is not easy to run a fully organic garden. Treasure Island Resort is proud to be running an organic dry (ie the minimum of supplementary watering beyond the natural rainfall) system. It is not any easy process, and composting and mulching skills are still developing; however plants are successfully flourishing in the system, and the slightly odd nature of treasure’s gardens currently can be attributed to the fact that new landscaping is being planned with the new building and renovations (so most gardesynthetic fertilisers will leach out (i.e. be washed out of the soil and in our case go into the ocean). Then ns are currently on hold rather than being replanted or developed), rather than a complete failure of gardening method.
Principles involved in organic gardening involve no pesticides (chemical insect sprays), and no chemical fertilisers, and no herbicides (chemical weed control) and this is important on a coral atoll (or on any property adjacent to the ocean) as those all can leach out and enter the sea affecting marine life. While most seaweed is removed from the island so as to keep the nutrient (and nutrient runoff) balance at naturally occurring levels seaweed is also used to prepare new garden beds, either by being added to woody material down in the island’s compost and mulch area, or by being directly added to the gardens, where it breaks down within 3-4 weeks. Nutrients must be added to the soil as organic matter like this rather than synthetic fertiliser as it has been proven that plants (most of which are propagated in Treasure Island’s nursery where a grey water drip system efficiently provides them with a minimum of recycled water) are chosen for their ability to not only survive the conditions on the island but thrive, and there are surprisingly a large number of these, some very beautiful. Using a mix of plants naturally adapted to the conditions reduces pest and disease to a minimum and no chemicals are used at all (to stop any potential dangerous runoff), however some plants do suffer infestations of insects at various time of the year. One tree species has an annual caterpillar invasion and it has been discussed whether or not to remove these from the island. However the insects provide food for other island inhabitants, and the tree is significant to the tribe as one used for carving, so those trees have been retained. Some trees will need to be removed for development, however the Chairman has decided no tree will go without consultation as to its significance to the island ecosystem, and in some places the plan is to actually build indoor/outdoor bathrooms around trees to accommodate them. Weeds in an organic system are controlled without chemical, using such methods as close planting or mulching to suppress weeds, then non chemical ways to remove those that do grow. While more weeds do grow at the moment than is aesthetically desirable; as ground cover plants grow and mulching skills increase these will diminish, and all weeds are currently mechanically removed (i.e. dug out without using herbicide).
Gardening on Treasure Island also must consider our special seasonal island guests, the turtles. All areas along the beach are kept natural and stony, with no raised gardens or sea walls so a nesting turtle can still behave normally. Last year between Treasure Island and Bounty Island there were 8 turtle nests. Each was sign posted by the grounds men to minimise disturbance. Change is not always easy, and the long held practice of building pits, filling them with garden rubbish then burning has had to be phased out, much to the reluctance of the grounds men (its much more work to carry that material by hand over to the mulch/compost area). However these pits could potentially interfere with turtle nesting patterns, were releasing emissions during burning, and as they were being filled were forming damp areas in summer where mosquitoes could breed. Usually the island is naturally so dry that mosquitoes cannot breed, so fogging can be cut down to a minimum (and there is never fogging around the turtle pond regardless). The only current natural grounds where mosquitoes can breed on the island is by the mulch/ compost area, so TIL is investigating the purchase a set of “mosquito magnet” natural chemical free mosquito traps to place around that area.
Treasure Island Resort has a keen and long held sense of responsibility for the marine environment around it, one of its key attractions. The area around Treasure Island has been a marine reserve for more than 30 years now. However in addition to this TIL has commissioned regular reports from scientist consultants on managing the marine environment, and one in 2003 (McCook) disappointingly identified suboptimal fish levels probably due to ineffective protection of the marine reserve status (i.e. people still being allowed to take from the reserves), and damage to nursery stock (so much damage/ overfishing outside of TIL reserves that fish were not available to migrate back into the reserve to replace the ones taken), and in addition to this McCook believed that “large scale loss of corals” he observed in addition to the loss of fish was a factor in devastating algal growth at the resort; he noted chronic damage to corals from boats, anchors, and direct damage from divers, swimmers and snorkelers), and that the reefs were not recovering from major events (human and natural) at sufficient rate to be sustainable.
In addition to this already bad news it was noticed that as more larger hotels were built and occupied on Denarau boat traffic to the sand cay (Nukuasiga) drastically increased, with very apparent anchor damage and traffic damage from snorkelers who clearly were not briefed on the importance of not standing on coral. While phone calls to the management concerned cleared a lot of the unauthorised traffic a new memorandum of understanding was drawn up which is currently with the Fijian board of directors for action to further protect the coral areas surrounding Treasure and Bounty, but in addition to that sets conditions of use and protection that Treasure and Bounty Islands will be bound to in return for the preservation of the reef around the islands.
On the resort guided snorkeling is provided to help guests enjoy the marine environment, also hobie cat lessons. Guests are actively discouraged from attempting snorkeling or other water sports at low tide, and the activities officer of the night reiterates this every night in the introductory talk. Treasure Island actively protects and rehabilitates the reefs, growing new coral to reseed, purchasing clams to replace those fished out, and fighting the crown of thorns. Despite the MES (Mamanuca Environment Society) representative saying there was no problem last year the GM set a bounty in place for staff, which resulted in more than 5000 crown of thorns starfish (COTs) being removed, and probably averted a major disaster. TIL now controls COTs with three divers who use the latest technology in COT control to remove COTs from both the home reef and that surrounding Nukuasiga. Despite the fact Beachcomber and Treasure guests both have use rights and visit Nukuasiga, only Treasure Island funds or is involved in COTs control out there.
Treasure Island adds a voluntary environmental marine protection levy of $5 per bure, which 99% of guests pay. This helps with COT protection, but does not cover all marine protection initiatives. Other initiatives Treasure Island fund include the MES (Mamanuca Environment Society), and its own voluntary studies (2 since 2000). The GM is currently in talks with the University of Queensland for an exchange where Treasure and Bounty Islands can provide accommodation and support for visiting marine biology students in exchange for up to the minute research and the resulting suggestions for protecting the local marine environment. This also helps satisfy the external audit component required in any sound environmental sustainability policy.
Many visitors to Treasure are taken by the little birds running around. These are Banded Rail or (as the locals call them) Bici. As a flightless bird their population was decimated by mongoose, and on the mainland continues to drop. They have a safe environment on the island. Iguanas also reside on Treasure Island, with two of them still living the the cage where guests can view them; and there are a host of birds including kingfishers, parrots, herons/egrets and not forgetting the bats. There is a responsibility to not accidentally upset the food source or nesting area of any of the inhabitants of Treasure Island, and this is one reason why all tree removal must have prior approval.
Case Study:- Treasure’s Headstarting Programme.Headstarting is not just a matter of taking some baby turtles and putting them in a pond; and then saying you are doing something great for the environment. In actual fact misguided rearing of endangered species can cause far more damage than good, and for this reason Treasure Island’s turtle programme was nearly stopped in early 2006 as there were worries in management they were not being cared for properly. However the local Nakelo staff approached management with the wish to try one more season of headstarting. As senior member Timoci Nasilasila said later “when I was young turtles came right up to Viseisei to feed on the sea grasses”, he then made the observation that less than a generation later the only way the young ones could observe a turtle was at Treasure. But the fact remains that many scientific groups do not support headstarting, but rather protection of nests only.
Treasure and Bounty Island had 8 turtle nests over the last season starting from October 2006 through to February 2007, and of those only 3 were taken to the turtle pond. Of these some were sent to Vomo, Bounty and Beachcomber, both observing traditional exchanges, and spreading the turtles out incase of an unforeseen disaster at any one of the ponds. At this point extensive consultation was undertaken, and Seaturtle.org assigned Catherine Bell , a marine biologist and hawkesbill expert based at Cayman Turtle Farm to advise and help Treasure look after the turtles. Her help and advisory has been absolutely amazing and included skype calls to Treasure’s turtle curators (with Milika translating from English to Fijian to ensure all the points were understood). Two problems that commonly occur in headstarted turtles in Fiji are shell deformations, and eye infections. The shell deformations are thought to occur because of high protein diets, and indeed with carefully formulated diet this year instead of just minced protein there have been no shell deformation in the turtles at Treasure. To stop the eye infections there needs to be a very high standard of pool cleanliness, seaweed on rock provided for nibbling and amusement between meals (and also to give the ruminant turtles gut the right microbes to eat seaweed when they are released), and isolation and treatment of any eye infection cases. Treasure Island’s turtle pond while looking rudimentary actually is a good design, with a good concrete base which can be kept clean and doesn’t harbour bacteria or disease; and a large incoming flow of fresh sea water (as it is supplied by the same system which supplies the toilet cisterns).
There is also concern that the turtle’s own inbuilt “gps” system can be confused during the headstart process. However Treasure Island turtles are incubated in the ground where they are laid, then moved only a short distance on the same island to the ponds. Interestingly upon release they all swim initially in roughly the same direction regardless of time, tide or current. Treasure Island turtles are also fed as much “wild” food as possible to ensure they can eat something when they are released; as well as the “live rock” (seaweed attached to rock fresh from the ocean) they are also fed baby jellyfish when they are in season, which they LOVE. The sight of the groundsmen or kids club collecting jellyfish (jellyfishing!) is quite humourous but also, as Catherine Bell pointed out, fosters a feeling of responsibility and bond with turtles as living creatures that need to be protected. To properly educate guests on the complex nature of the headstarting programme at Treasure a full information sheet on Treasure’s turtles is provided in each guest compendium. This sheet was approved by both Catherine Bell, and Ian Bell from the Queensland EPA (who does not advocate headstarting) to ensure only balanced accurate information was given. The turtles are checked by Alfreti of the MES, and the fisheries department at regular intervals.
Protecting and showcasing your environment also requires careful scrutiny of any contractors, just as all suppliers of good inwards need to be responsible. Treasure Island uses Subsurface to provide its diving and watersports, and Senikai Spas for its spa and beauty therapy. Subsurface Fiji is a PADI aware member, so must continue to meet PADI’s standards for sustainability and environmental care, however in additon to this recently Harrison and Taylor Koens of Subsurface Fiji won the PADI Young Achiever of the Year award, gaining kudos for their great fish ID and interpretation skills, and their own self motivated and funded COTs removal programme on reefs around Beachcomber Island. Senikai Spas are noted in Fiji for producing their own beauty products in Fiji providing jobs and lowering the carbon footprint of all products used in their spas. They also support local education with their training “beauty school”. Senikai have a policy of local hiring with Debra the owner being the only ex-pat.
Management Responsibility
The most important thing about all these initiatives is that they have ongoing support from management to put in place checks, measures, audits; and incentives for the staff to take ownership of the eco-initiatives for the resort. For this reason a detailed submission on the environmental position of Treasure Island as compared to current environmental thinking, practice and strategy was commissioned and presented to the board in early August. The board of directors have backed the idea of an emphasis on eco-friendly sustainable policy underpinning the operation of every department on Treasure Island, and that ecco-policy has been written and is ready to be presented to the board next week (at the time of writing). Hence Treasure Island not only already has an exceptional level of sustainability, and protection and showcasing of its environment and local culture; but it now has the objective to get better at these skills in each department each year, and to build these enviro-principles into all new development. This is probably not so surprising considering how long Fijian ownership has influenced the decision making of the business however much credit must go to GM Graeme Back for considerable change and improvement in the last 2 years, and Mr Bill Whiting whose passion for the country and people of Fiji flows through his influence on the operation as both Chairman, majority owner.
