The Fijian government is taking a significant step towards restoring ancestral lands to indigenous communities with the reintroduction of the Freehold Buy Back Scheme after a 32-year hiatus. This initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to assist landless or land-poor iTaukei landowning units in reclaiming lands that were alienated during colonial rule and sold as freehold property.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, emphasized the profound impact of this scheme, describing it as an act of restoration that acknowledges historical injustices. He noted that the government’s commitment to righting past wrongs is reflected in a proposed budget allocation of $10 million for the 2025-2026 financial year to support the scheme’s implementation.
Under the revised Buy Back Scheme, known as Buy Back Scheme 3.0, eligible landowning units will be able to reclaim their ancestral lands, which have been valued not only for their economic potential but also for their cultural and spiritual significance. Currently, ten new freehold parcels have been identified for purchase, with expressions of interest already received from respective landowning units. An additional 11 parcels are in the process of being negotiated with their title holders.
This revitalized initiative mirrors previous efforts made under the original Freehold Buy Back Scheme initiated in 1989, which saw many landowners successfully reclaim their ancestral territories. Previous programs facilitated loans and provided practical support to help landowning units manage their reclaimed land effectively.
The challenges faced by prior schemes included disputes and delays, but this new implementation seeks to incorporate modern safeguards to prevent future alienation of the bought-back lands. The 2013 Constitution guarantees that lands reclaimed under this scheme will remain under freehold status, ensuring long-term security for the landowning units.
The scheme’s revival brings a renewed sense of hope to the iTaukei community, as many look forward to regaining their cultural heritage tied to these lands. The initiative not only aims to restore land ownership but also to strengthen community ties and enhance the socio-economic prospects of traditional landowners.
These efforts highlight the Fijian government’s commitment to indigenous rights and underscore the importance of addressing historical grievances concerning land ownership. By returning ancestral lands to native communities, the government is paving the way for sustainable development and empowerment, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
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