Fiji's First AAA GREEN STAR Accreditation Awarded to Matava - FIJI SCUBA DIVING - Dive the best of Fiji Diving with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Kadavu, Fiji Islands

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Fiji's First AAA GREEN STAR Accreditation Awarded to Matava

Matava has been awarded the AAA Green STAR Accreditation for its policies on environmental sustainability

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 15th August 2008 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to be announced as the first resort in the Fiji Islands to be awarded the internationally-recognised prestigious Green STAR Accreditation rating from AAA Tourism and the AAA STAR Rating Scheme.

Green STAR Accreditation is an additional endorsement to our current 3.5 STAR Rating at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort.

Matava Director, Mr Richard Akhtar says "Green STAR Accreditation gives us special environmental recognition and shows our customers that we are responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our business."

"After 6 years of hard work and commitment to our strict environmental policies, it is rewarding to be recgnised by a 3rd party international certification agency"

"We will use the environmental audit done as part of this reward to further improve our environmental practives and policies in the future. We have already updated our Responsible Tourism Code of Conduct as part of this review."

Mr Akhtar went on to say that "..after our recent major resort upgrade in early 2008, and the addition of our new high-tech solar power plant solution for the Main Bure, kitchen and The Terrace restaurant area, we believe we are the leader in eco-sustainable resorts in the country."

To be awarded a Green STAR Accreditation, Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort had to achieve adequate points against a set of strict practical environmental criteria.

These criteria include:

energy efficiency - Matava had to prove use ofenergy efficient light bulbs and fixtures, signage reminding guests to turn off lights and natural ventilation available.
waste minimisation - Matava's extensive recycling program, towel re-use and linen no change policy, all the way down to printer cartridge recycling in our office!
water management - Matava's resort wide use of dual flush toilets, environmentally friendly cleaning products, unbleached paper products, no leaking taps and use of recycled water on gardens.

Green STAR is a program conducted by AAA Tourism. On successful completion of our 2008 audit, Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort was awarded the Green STAR Accreditation, the first awarded in the Fiji Islands.

The AAA Assessor will conduct a Green STAR audit anjnually at the time of our normal STAR Rating assessment to ensure that Matava maintains its Green STAR Accreditation rating.

In conjunction with Australia's Auto Clubs, AAA Tourism manages the AAA STAR Rating Scheme for approximately 10,000 properties across Australia and the South Pacific. AAA Star Rating has been adopted and approved by the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (FIHTA) as the industry standard in the Fiji Islands. STAR Ratings Australia, the division of AAA Tourism managing the Australian Star Rating Scheme, is a Registered ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System.

The standards for Green STAR Accreditation were developed in a partnership between AAA Tourism and GREEN GLOBE under the guidance of the Australian Government established Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre. Green STAR Accreditation provides a stepping stone to Green Globe's internationally recognised certification system that promotes responsible tourism and increases operational efficiencies.

Mr Akhtar finished by saying "Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment."

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands.

Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

Mad Fish Dive Centre and Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters are our on-site diving and fishing specialists offering the best of both under and on the water activities.

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