Josua Waqanivalu, environment officer at iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), has pointed out that weak sectoral governance is a significant hindrance to effective planning. Waqanivalu made his remarks during the Situation Analysis Workshop on Forest Landscape Restoration held in Nadi.
Highlighting the disjointed planning efforts from various government agencies, he emphasized, “The Department of Forestry, the Ministry of Forestry, and us at the TLTB all have separate plans, but no overarching plan that unifies all these efforts.”
According to Waqanivalu, the primary goal should be the development of a consolidated land use plan, particularly for the whole of Viti Levu. He believes this approach can effectively tackle core issues such as climate change and biodiversity.
The comprehensive master plan, he says, is expected to address land governance and conflicts, food security, socio-economic growth, and climate change.