Jone Waitati is making a difference in the South of Taveuni after his return from Germany in 2016.
He is a marine conservationist who ventured into a diversified business by setting up Viani Bay Resort and created Fiji Sea Salt.
With over 20 years of diving experience, he had a mission to share his relationship with the ocean to others.
Mr Waitati founded Dive Academy Fiji and Viani Bay Resort- a boutique operation offering private diving on the Rainbow Reef with an authentic upmarket Fijian experience that is focused on marine conservation and supporting the local community.
He also initiated Cleanup-Taveuni and started a coral nursery and a seaweed farm where local volunteers and guest side by side contribute to the conservation of the marine environment.
During the lockdown, the enthusiast diving instructor created a unique product :Fiji Sea Salt.
The water is taken from the volcanic deep waters of the Somosomo Strait, during the evaporation, Mr Waitati skims the salt crystals from the surface and either dries them as pure ‘ fleur-de-sel’(flower of salt) or infuses them with herbs and spices to create a new culinary experience.
Fiji Sea Salt is the only salt that uses these techniques, which ensure that no impurities stay in the salt and where the taste is much more intense compared to mixes with dried herbs.
Fiji Sea Salt is now available in stores across Fiji and exported overseas.
Mr Waitati has travelled to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Egypt, Maldives, Thailand, New Zealand and during all his travel essentials are a scuba diving gear, Fiji Sea Salt, sarong, sunglasses and a smile that gets him through any travel hassles.
Below is an excerpt interview with Mr Waitati.
How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?
Too many to list, highlights would be Kadavu, Beqa, Yasawas, the Mamanucas, Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Viti Levu
What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To, And Why?
To Viani Bay – a little piece of heaven with sandy beaches and a calm bay that is only a 15 minute boat ride from Taveuni, the garden island of Fiji.
– Diving/freediving (provided by Dive Academy) – world-famous diving spots like the Rainbow Reef, The Great White Wall and Purple Corner
– Snorkelling at the Garden Eden and The Cabbage
– Coral farming
– Salt house (by Fiji Sea Salt)
– Local experience – friendly people, village nearby (Dakuniba), Ucunivatu Primary School
– Viani Bay Resort (a bboutique eco dive resort run by Dive Academy)
What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie, And Why?
Because of my location, I prefer home coffee-a quality plunger and Bunum Wo Coffee (from PNG) makes for a perfect start!
What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot, And Why?
Can’t go pass my coral farm, it’s a personal expression of who I am in the ocean and who the ocean is to me.
Lau group of Islands. Source: https://pacificislandliving.com/
What is one place in Fiji that remains on your bucket list, and why?
The Lauan group, I hear it’s beautiful – the people, the landscapes, the seascapes and the food!
Feedback: laisa.lui@fijisun.com.fj