The Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park located in Navunibau Village has officially been inaugurated, highlighting Fiji’s dedication to sustainable forest management and community-led development. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu, who underscored that this park marks the third community-based forest initiative introduced by the Ministry, showcasing how local communities can successfully manage and benefit from their natural resources.
Bainivalu pointed out the park’s diverse contributions, which span educational, recreational, and cultural preservation activities, as well as environmental protection and income generation opportunities. Notably, the park provides the Mataqali Namara community the chance to earn income through ecotourism and bamboo-based products while actively contributing to environmental preservation. This initiative exemplifies Fiji’s collective commitment to conservation efforts.
In line with national priorities, the park is designed to promote a green economy via ecotourism and agroforestry, creating new livelihoods, mitigating poverty, and aligning with Fiji’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Bainivalu acknowledged that the park plays a crucial role in preserving local biodiversity and supports the global 30×30 conservation target, emphasizing the essential role of indigenous communities in safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage.
Recent legislation in the forestry sector reinforces this progressive approach by recognizing the Vanua as key stakeholders in environmental decisions, ensuring that benefits and responsibilities remain with landowners, and highlighting the essential role of community-led forest management. The Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park is set to serve as both an educational resource and a model for other communities in Fiji, illustrating how sustainable resource management can generate lasting environmental and economic benefits. This initiative not only enriches the local community but also reinforces Fiji’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development for the future.