Jekope Maiono, a 45-year-old from Cikobia, has been recognized for achieving four prestigious degrees from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Maiono, a member of the indigenous community, serves as a lecturer at the university and moved to New Zealand in 2006 to pursue his passion for sports.
He played for the Rewa team and was later offered a sports scholarship to study in New Zealand. During his educational journey, Maiono embraced various academic achievements, including:
– Bachelor of Commerce in Management
– Master of Sustainable Business
– Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
– Doctor of Philosophy on ‘Sustainable Land Development in Fiji’
In 2020, he completed his Ph.D. program, focusing on his research titled “50 Years of Independence Indigenous Perception on Sustainable Land Development in Fiji.” This study emphasizes the significance of the 50-year milestone of Fiji’s independence and the perspectives of indigenous people on land usage and development practices.
Maiono argues for a return to their roots, urging the community to engage in discussions about land use and sustainability. He believes many indigenous people lack knowledge about effective land usage in accordance with local laws, resulting in a disconnection from their land’s true potential.
His research explores two major themes: “place ecology,” which looks into indigenous land usage, and “political ecology.” Maiono has also traveled to Cicia, known as “Organic Island,” to conduct further research.
Currently, he works as a lecturer in the business school at the University of Otago. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges faced by indigenous communities and aims to provide insights through his research to empower local residents.
Furthermore, he encourages the community to consider what they want to achieve in the next 50 years, focusing on land sustainability and effective leadership during these evolving times.