Fiji Booth at the Yeosu Expo 2012

Fiji booth at the Yeosu exposition 2012 is  really a proud display of Fiji's rich indigenous culture and tradition.  The theme for the expo is "The living ocean and coast : diversity of resources and sustainable activities"  and the Fiji booth reflects this through displays which promote creative and sustainable maritime activities. 

The main center piece at the Fiji booth is the Drua or Fijian canoe.  This iconic feature boasts our forefather's ability, talent and innovative streak in design and boat building before European contact.  The Drua is said to be one of the finest and largest seagoing vessel in Oceania maritime history.  The Fiji Islands Voyaging Society recently launched the Uto Ni Yalo a sailing canoe which utilises modern boat building materials but displays traditional knowledge and ingenuity in the twin hulls and traditional designs.  This initiative is aimed at reviving and sustaining traditional Fijian canoe building, sailing and navigational knowledge, skills and customs.

Below is the miniature version of the Drua which is displayed at the Yeosu expo.

One of the more intricate detailed displays is a Fish Trap (wea) woven from the roots of the rhizophora species of mangrove which is commonly referred to in the indigenous fijian language as Tiri (mangroves with aerial roots).  Crafted by villages of Lasakau of the Bau Province in Fiji.   Along side this display is a an eel trap (vuvu) which was woven especially by the people of Vugalei in the Tailevu province.  The eel trap is woven out of bamboo stems.

Also on display are the Pacific Green products made from the "tree of life" or coconut tree.  Pacific Green also displays oil and other products made from coconut at the Yeosu expo Fiji booth.

The booth is served by two friendly and pleasantly spoken Fijian women by the name of Niqa and Frances who have a rich knowledge of Fiji's traditional maritime history.  

Please do stop by the Fiji booth and say BULA (prounounced boolah! 부라) to the two ladies and more importantly learn about the beautiful Fiji islands and the country's maritime conservation journey.