Indigenous Fishing Rights Under Review: What’s Next for Fiji’s Qoliqoli Bill?

The CEO of the ITAUKEI Land Trust Board (TLTB), Solomoni Nata, has provided important insights regarding the ongoing review of the Qoliqoli Bill, which seeks to balance commercial maritime activities with the protection of indigenous fishing rights. During a recent address at the Fiji Law Society convention held in Nadi, Mr. Nata shared his experiences from a visit to Noco Village in Rewa, where he observed firsthand the challenges faced by local villagers in accessing their traditional fishing grounds due to licensing restrictions.

Mr. Nata recounted, “I was in Noco Village last night, which is situated among the mangroves in the Rewa Delta. I found that the villagers lack land, and the sea is their main source of livelihood, yet they are currently encountering significant barriers.” He emphasized that these villagers often need permits to fish in their traditional areas, and they are at times removed from these locations. This situation profoundly impacts many individuals who rely on fishing for their sustenance.

He reassured the community, indicating that the Qoliqoli Bill is under review by the Government, with the hope that some of the restrictive measures will be lifted to better recognize the traditional rights of the iTaukei people to fish in their iqoliqoli. The Solicitor-General, Ropate Green Lomavatu, confirmed that the Government approved this review last year and mentioned that both Australian and local consultants are contributing to drafting amendments designed to bolster protections for indigenous fishing areas throughout Fiji.

This initiative presents a promising step forward in ensuring that the rights of indigenous communities are respected while balancing environmental and commercial interests. By addressing the fishing constraints faced by communities like those in Noco Village, the review of the Qoliqoli Bill could improve not just access to traditional fishing grounds, but also support the preservation of cultural practices and enhance food security for many families in Fiji.

In summary, the ongoing review of the Qoliqoli Bill aims to alleviate the burdens imposed by licensing on indigenous fishing rights, coupled with the support from the Government and local consultants, signals a commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities throughout Fiji.