The Baea Family

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Environmental and social

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

The Oravae Cottage has assisted the WorldFish Centre in decentralising the aquaculture product export depot. A decentralised depot means easier access for local villagers, and reliable income streams.

Local villagers are given the task of 'growing out' juvenile clams and corals, bred by the aquaculture centre WorldFish Centre, to a marketable size. The aquaculture products reach marketable size after about one year and can then be sold on the international marine aquaria market, meaning sustainable incomes for locals.

At this stage in the process, the clams are exported through Honiara to overseas markets. However, between the local growers and Honiara a depot is required to house the clams. This used to be done by the WorldFish Centre but is now assisted by Patson and Naomi of Oravae Cottage. They established a depot on Sepo and Oravae Islands near Nusa Tupe airport in the Western province. The depot collects the clams and corals from village growers to be packaged before they are sent to Honiara.

A decentralised depot is advantageous because it means easier access for local villagers. Other advantages of this system include maintenance of traditional fishery-based livelihoods for local villagers and sustainable maintenance of wild populations of giant clams and corals.