Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya recently addressed traditional leaders, emphasizing their role as leaders in conservation rather than its beneficiaries. She articulated that conservation is not only integral to the iTaukei identity but also a fundamental duty for those entrusted with land and sea stewardship.
Tabuya underscored the idea that conservation efforts should persist beyond the cessation of funding or the conclusion of projects. She asserted that the future of Fiji’s environment will be determined in local village and yavusa meetings, rather than in distant conference rooms. This local focus aims to empower communities to take charge of their environmental legacy.
Highlighting traditional practices such as the tabu system, seasonal closures, and rotational harvesting, Tabuya acknowledged these methods as effective tools for sustainable conservation. She stated that the Government’s role is to reinforce these indigenous systems instead of supplanting them.
Concerns were raised by leaders from Ba, Ra, Nadroga, and Navosa regarding the need for authentic representation of resource owners, enhanced yaubula governance, and the importance of balancing conservation efforts with the livelihoods of local communities. In response, Tabuya assured the leaders that the Government is committed to improving representation, facilitating easier access to green funding, and ensuring that conservation initiatives honor the communities’ livelihoods, consent, and dignity.
She encouraged resource owners to take proactive steps in organizing themselves, documenting their practices, and articulating their needs, stressing that the foundation of conservation efforts must emerge from local contexts. This grassroots approach aims to foster a more inclusive and effective conservation strategy that respects both cultural heritage and community needs, paving the way for a sustainable future for Fiji’s environment.
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