NUSATUPE airstrip in the Western Province has been dubbed the best within the Pacific region because of its beautiful surroundings.
Coral Sea Foundation in an online post rated the airstrip as ‘The best airstrip in the South Pacific!’
It added; “Nusatupe Island off the coast of Ghizo Island, in the Western Province of Solomon Islands. Flying in here leaves you in no doubt, you’ve arrived in the Coral Triangle!”
Coral Sea Foundation Ltd is an Australian not-for-profit company. The company’s objective is to pursue the following charitable purpose of enhancing the natural environment of the Coral Sea Triangle;
a) support the protection of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Coral Sea both within Australia and overseas,
b) contribute to the sustainable management of this area, and
c) raise awareness of the ecological, social and economic value of the Coral Sea.
The Coral Sea Triangle borders the Great Barrier Reef and the island archipelagos of Melanesia and contains marine ecosystems of exceptionally high quality and biodiversity.
The statement said, this region contains the last great reservoir of ultra-diverse coral reef in the world, yet most of it is remote and rarely visited, and there are insufficient marine protected areas to achieve robust conservation outcomes.
“Combining an ethos of science, gender equity and sustainability, the Foundation works with traditional owners to develop marine reserves that enhance fisheries and protect biodiversity, while delivering humanitarian aid to improve the basic quality of life of people in our partner villages,” the statement added.
They fully support a global transition to renewable energy as a means of mitigating the effects of climate disruption on coral reefs, and they have a strong commitment to deliver their programs with innovative sailing vessels driven by wind power and biofuels.
Solomon Islands is also a member of the Cora Triangle Initiative (CTI).
Nusatupe airstrip is one of the busy airstrips in the country because it receives flights daily from Honiara, bringing in locals and overseas guests for their holidays.
With Western Province being one of the top tourist destinations in the country, more and more overseas leisure visitors arrive in the province by aircraft and boats.
Tourists normally visit the province for scuba diving and enjoy the local cultural entertainment, seafood as well as the natural beauties of the islands and the people.
By MOFFAT MAMU
