Today, at the Southern Cross Hotel in Suva, representatives of the nation’s fourteen provinces’ natural resource owners convened.

The meeting, “Honoring Natural Resources for a Sustainable Future: A Legislative and Policy Approach,” was opened by Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu, Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, who emphasized the urgent need for effective conservation legislation.

The meeting was arranged by the Ministry of Itaukei Affairs, which brought together important players to talk about the direction of natural resource management and emphasized the significance of the recently formed Natural Resource Owners Council.

The World Board for the Rights of Landowners and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) serve as the council’s guiding documents.

The cornerstone of the iTaukei Administration Policy, which is principled in its mission to defend the welfare of Indigenous people, is the principles, as affirmed by the 2013 Constitution and adopted by the General Board last year, said Tuiwailevu.

The Natural Resource Owners Council, which addresses the difficulties associated with localized natural resource management, is a key element of the effort.

“By empowering Indigenous people to take charge of their resources, the council seeks to ensure sustainable and effective conservation practices.”

The Assistant Minister emphasized how Indigenous people have come together to preserve their resources in the face of contemporary difficulties.

“Fiji’s representation at the COP 28 meeting in the UAE last year demonstrated the nation’s commitment to addressing climate change and its impacts, demonstrating the success of these efforts.”

The Assistant Minister continues, “This year we are emphasising the importance of conservation and resource management laws.”

According to the GCC Review report, the Great Council of Chiefs will take the lead in these crucial initiatives, working to adopt a cohesive strategy through partnerships with numerous national and international organizations, according to Tuiwailevu.

“I invite all of you to share your thoughts and viewpoints over the next two days, promoting a team effort to improve tactics and address current issues.”

Recognizing the importance of group efforts in assisting Indigenous communities and protecting natural resources for future generations, Hon. Tuiwailevu advocated trust in the NROC’s deliberations.

An Indigenous Resource Owners Forum is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 30, at 9 a.m. at the Harbour Point Convention Centre in Lami, as a follow-up to today’s gathering.