In a significant initiative to enhance community involvement in environmental sustainability, Mosese Bulitavu, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, spearheaded a multi-agency team to Sanasana Village in Nadroga on February 6, 2025. This visit included a Talanoa session with local resource owners to discuss pressing environmental issues related to ongoing developments in the region.
Minister Bulitavu underscored the government’s dedication to harmonizing economic advancement with environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of including local communities in decision-making processes. “Development must not come at the cost of our environment or the well-being of our people. By engaging directly with resource owners, we ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed,” he stated.
Sitiveni Nawaqa, representing the Vanua o Nahoqo, expressed appreciation for the dialogue, applauding the government’s proactive stance in connecting with Fijians at the grassroots level. During the session, various environmental challenges were discussed, with government representatives outlining steps to resolve these issues. The Ministry of Environment reiterated its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that all development projects adhere to environmental regulations while meeting community expectations.
This community-focused approach serves as a positive example of how local governments can work with residents to create a sustainable future that values environmental integrity alongside economic development. By fostering open dialogue, there is hope for constructive solutions that benefit both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
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