Residents of Waisali in Savusavu are expected to gain new economic and environmental opportunities following the introduction of the Waisali Community Tourism Development Plan and the Waisali Rainforest Reserve Management Plan.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, said the initiative reinforces the partnership between the Vanua of Waisali and the National Trust of Fiji, while encouraging community-driven development and long-term protection of natural resources.

Covering more than 120 hectares, the Waisali Rainforest Reserve contains significant biodiversity and remains an important watershed area.

The newly launched management framework sets out strategies focused on biosecurity, ecological monitoring, threat reduction and sustainable funding to safeguard the reserve.

The tourism development strategy, backed by New Zealand Māori Tourism, is designed to generate sustainable income opportunities for local communities while positioning Waisali as an example of indigenous-led and regenerative tourism in Fiji and across the Pacific.