The Lavena community on Taveuni Island celebrated a major step forward in eco-tourism development last Friday with the official handover of the upgraded Lavena Coastal Walk by the Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu.

As part of the initiative, the Ministry also presented the community with a 23-foot fiberglass boat and a 40HP outboard engine.

These resources are aimed at strengthening the community’s eco-tourism activities and enhancing their ability to monitor and manage their qoliqoli (traditional fishing grounds).

The Lavena Coastal Walk, nestled within the Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni’s southeastern coast, is one of Fiji’s most celebrated natural attractions.

The trail offers visitors a blend of white-sand beaches, lush rainforest, coral reefs, and cascading waterfalls—making it a standout for both nature enthusiasts and conservation-driven tourism.

Hon. Bainivalu also took part in the Lavena waterfall tour, which features six named waterfalls: Wainivaca (Triple Waterfall), Waivuso, Waitovu, Savumirimiri Spring, Savuleveavonu, and Savubasoga—each offering its own unique experience.

The reopening and equipment handover were praised as a meaningful investment in both sustainable tourism and community-led resource management, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to empowering local communities through nature-based development.