The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has granted 14 leases for conservation on iTaukei land. This was revealed by TLTB environment officer Josua Waqanivalu during his presentation at the Forest Landscape Restoration Situation Analysis Workshop in Fiji, Nadi.
Waqanivalu shared that these leases fall under various categories, including nature reserve leases, forest reserves leases, conservation leases, and Redd++ leases. Around eight of these leases, associated with forestry, natural reserve and conservation, are granted by the Government.
Out of the fourteen leases, only one was given directly to iTaukei landowners, with the rest allotted to non-government organizations. They span a total of 56,946.26 hectares and bring in an annual rent of $244,855.20. The information was initially published on The Fiji Times website.