Jekope Maiono has made headlines for achieving four prestigious qualifications from the University of Otago in New Zealand. The 45-year-old, who hails from Cikobia, has served as a lecturer at the university since he relocated to New Zealand in 2006, pursuing opportunities in sports.
During his time in New Zealand, Maiono played for the Rewa football team and was recognized with a sports scholarship to play in the country. Now, as he embarks on a journey back to academia, he is keen to continue his education at Otago University, which is situated close to his current surroundings.
Maiono has dedicated an impressive 13 years to his studies, culminating in several significant achievements, including:
– Bachelor of Commerce in Management,
– Master of Sustainable Business,
– Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences,
– Doctor of Philosophy with a focus on ‘Sustainable Land Development in Fiji.’
In 2020, he completed his PhD program, exploring a research topic titled “50 Years of Independence Indigenous Perception on Sustainable Land Development in Fiji,” which reflects on the sustainable use of land after five decades of independence.
He emphasizes the importance of reassessing how the indigenous community views land use in the context of their 50 years of freedom. Maiono believes it is essential to engage with local villages to gather insights on how land has been utilized over the years.
The motivation behind his research stems from the recognition that many residents may not be fully aware of how land use rights are currently governed, indicating a gap in understanding around ownership and land practices.
His research dives into two critical themes: “land ecology,” which focuses on local land stewardship, and “political ecology.” He also plans to conduct fieldwork in Cicia, an area colloquially referred to as “Organic Island,” to enhance his studies of land and its sustainable management for future generations.
Currently, Maiono is working as an educator at the business school at the University of Otago, and he hopes his research findings will contribute valuable insights regarding the indigenous people’s experiences and challenges.
Looking forward, he encourages communities to reflect on the state of land management and governance, particularly as it pertains to their traditional practices.