Camping on a hill overlooking the Sigatoka Valley and meeting in a vegetable packing shed by a swiftly flowing Sigatoka River – an unlikely setting, but a highly successful retreat and planning session eventuated.  Ably guided by facilitator Nicola Thomson, all the staff had an opportunity to discuss the good and bad of 2009 and the future  of NFMV, and all then prepare detailed work plans for 2010. We were able to reflect on year of some remarkable achievements, growing independence and maturity of the organization and developing conservation skills in our staff.   A small but successful venture into commerce with some $5,000 raised through our 2011 Calendar. On the other hand, some core areas have failed to progress, in particular engaging youth and Nature Clubs.

Membership continues to be an issue of considerable debate….what sort of membership is appropriate for NFMV in Fiji ? Why is membership important ? How can we increase our membership and also service our members ? These were discussed at length and some resolutions made….all agreed, membership is very important, especially of youth for NFMV and we have plans to address this more strategically and urgently this year.

We welcomed Maaike Manten and Mere Valu of BirdLife to the retreat and further cooperative work with BirdLife is planned for 2010.