Vorovoro Environment
From Tribewanted
The island of Vorovoro west of the island of Mali, lies to the drier side of Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu. Like the rest of the Fijian groups, Vorovoro has one of the few really satisfactory tropical climates of the world. Its hot season is never too hot to allow traveling during the middle of the day, and its cool season is no warmer than that of a European summer. Vorovoro like other parts of Fiji experience the dry season from April to November with the rest noted for its wet months.
Generally, the northern side of Vanua Levu is usually referred to as “Babasiga” (the sunny side). It is therefore expected that it experiences more sunny days than the rest of Fiji with normal highs of 32 degrees and a low in the mid twenties during the cooler months of June to September. The Island of Mali is described as a Talasiga habitat consisting of dry-zone vegetation found in fire-degraded environments that spreads from sea level to 1,000 m. It receives a mean annual rainfall of 1,500–2,500 mm. [1]
The leeward (southern) side of the island is characterized by high ridges, interspersed with cave formations separated by mangrove ecosystems and a secluded beach. This side of Vorovoro faces the Vanua Levu and the estuary leading to the Labasa River which provides an alternative route to Labasa.
The island has marked high ridges of rocky formation running along the island like a backbone that is almost continuous. Where there is a break, the valley provides the much needed flat land suitable for crop cultivation, buildings and tribal living! The valley is densely covered with coconut palms and other tropical fruit tees such as papaya and citrus. The valley’s rich loamy soil has served the subsistence needs of the Tui Mali’s family well during the years. Overall the ridge cover is generally that of a talasiga one, consisting of intermittent grass patches and canopy of no more than five meters high. However, there are few large trees but mainly in the ravines.
The 3rd longest barrier reef system in the world, known locally as Cakau Levu (literally the 'Big Reef') or the Great Sea Reef is located along the northern shores of the second largest island in Fiji, Vanua Levu. The reef runs parallel to the coastline of the provinces of Macuata and Bua. Cakau Vauata coral reef, one mile north of Vorovoro, is a part of Cakau Levu that extends into neighbouring fishing grounds.
The Great Sea Reef includes many unique barrier reefs with numerous channels, leeward outer-shelf reefs, shoals and barrier reef systems. A wide variety of life, including reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and whales, along with untold coral fish and shellfish species, can be found among the soft and hard coral formations. The reef is also an important fishing ground for local communities. [2]
The water that consist Mali’s traditional fishing grounds is noted for its rich harvest of tropical reef fish and deep sea as well. Around Vorovoro, the yearly arrival of the volaca during annual spawning time around December is an eagerly awaited event by local fisherman for its sweet meat.
Vorovoro is also a turtle rookery during turtle breeding season of December to April.
The Great Sea Reef is a haven for diving enthusiasts and coral watchers.
