Provincial administrators have been urged to consult more with iTaukei resource owners on the importance of protecting and managing their resources.
These were the comments of the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Mereseini Vuniwaqa while opening the two day National iTaukei Resource Owners Committee Workshop in Nadave today.
Minister Vuniwaqa reminded provincial resource owners representatives on the importance of establishing vital networks with iTaukei resource owners.
“It is our duty to ensure that whatever position we take is based on the hallmarks and objectives of this committee which is to promote the capacity development of the iTaukei to make informed decisions on sustainable management of their natural resources,” Minister Vuniwaqa said.
“You must ensure the participation of the iTaukei in decision-making processes that affect their resources; support efforts to increase the resilience of the local iTaukei communities against the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.”
Minister Vuniwaqa also highlighted that as resource owners representatives, it is their duty to keep their people fully informed and not get involved in politics.
“There is no room for politics in those noble objectives. Objectives which aim to strengthen the institutional framework for iTaukei resource management in Fiji,” Minister Vuniwaqa said.
“Do not let politics mar your decision.”
Ministry for iTaukei Affairs permanent secretary Savenaca Kaunisela said the workshop provides a platform for provincial administrators to learn more on managing and safe-guarding natural resources.
The workshop focuses on areas of promoting the capacity development of the iTaukei to make informed decisions on sustainable management of natural resources, ensure proper decision making processes and supports efforts in increasing the resilience of iTaukei communities against the impacts of climate change.
Press Release