Landowners in Wainunu, Bua have voiced demands for increased governmental responsiveness in addressing their longstanding concerns. The landowners delivered a formal letter to Uraia Racule, the acting divisional forestry officer in the North, at the Ministry of Forestry office in Labasa, in a bid to prompt necessary actions. According to Laisala Ranamosa, a conservation steward leader, the group’s concerns have been overlooked despite several invitations extended to Mr. Racule for district meetings that went unattended.
The primary issue causing frustration among the landowners revolves around the Nabale site where eucalyptus trees were planted over larger areas than originally approved, encroaching on territories belonging to four different clans. Additionally, there are concerns over the use of a potentially harmful chemical, believed to contain paraquat, whose labeling is in a foreign language. The presence of this chemical is alleged to have affected seaweed growth, a crucial economic resource for the local community. Samples of the chemical have been collected by villagers for further examination by authorities.
The mismanagement of consultations and the planting process has drawn significant ire among the landowners. Ranamosa stresses that the failure to engage in appropriate dialogue has potentially endangered their land and environment, on which their livelihood depends. In response to the grievances, Mr. Racule has acknowledged the inadequacy of prior consultations and has sought forgiveness from the landowners, promising a review of the issues and further discussions.
Prominent in the background, Xinfa Group of Companies, involved in the project, denies the use of paraquat in its operations, asserting compliance with regulations. They remain open to resolving plantation boundary issues through dialogue.
This scenario reflects broader concerns previously highlighted among other landowning communities in Fiji. Historically, landowners have frequently expressed dissatisfaction over inadequacies in consultations and the impacts these have on their environment and economic wellbeing. This trend underscores the importance of transparent communication and active engagement with traditional custodians to prevent resource disputes and to ensure sustainable development practices. Such incidents indicate a pressing need for improved governmental processes and stakeholder engagement to align development goals with the rights and welfare of indigenous populations.