A new era of collaboration and sustainability has begun for the people of Namosi with the official inauguration of the Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park. This community-focused bamboo park, opened just two days ago, was described as a significant milestone in Fiji’s journey toward decentralized conservation, and was formally launched by the Minister of Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, on the land of the Mataqali Namara.
During her speech at the launch, Ms. Bainivalu emphasized that the park is more than just a tourist destination; it symbolizes the dawn of “a new era of partnership” and sustainable stewardship over the nation’s natural resources. She noted, “For too long, conservation was seen as solely a government responsibility; today, we declare that it is a shared economic and environmental partnership.”
The establishment of Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park provides the Mataqali Namara with a direct opportunity to earn sustainable income through ecotourism and the creation of bamboo products while preserving their traditional forests for future generations. “This initiative allows communities to earn from protecting their forests, not destroying them,” she added.
This project aligns well with the recently passed Forestry Act, which recognizes local communities as primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of forest resources. Ms. Bainivalu highlighted, “It secures your investment, legitimizes your business enterprise, and ensures the ministry acts as your technical partner – not your overseer.”
The presence of the Mataqali Namara members at the opening ceremony marked the achievement of years of planning, organization, and community dialogue. The park is anticipated to support Fiji’s National Climate Resilience Goals and contribute to the global aim of safeguarding 30 percent of land and marine areas by the year 2030.
“This investment is more than just infrastructure; it is a precious seed planted deep in the soil of your ancestral land,” remarked Ms. Bainivalu. The Mataqali Namara received praise for developing their business plan and market strategy, with the minister declaring the project a beacon of success for other communities in Namosi and throughout Fiji that are exploring sustainable economic avenues. This initiative reflects a hopeful future where the preservation of natural resources can go hand in hand with economic prosperity for local communities.
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