The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources is currently withholding the development lease for the Nokonoko Integrated Development project due to the developer’s failure to submit the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Application. Despite the developer meeting several important conditions for a five-year lease—such as obtaining a signed waiver of fishing rights from local qoliqoli owners, making payment for the Fishing Rights Impact Assessment, publicizing the foreshore development, and providing a detailed concept plan—the absence of the EIA Screening Application remains a significant hurdle.
The Ministry highlights the critical nature of responsible land management and the necessity for climate-resilient development, stressing that compliance with environmental regulations is paramount. Various regulatory entities, including the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change and Local Government, have been designated to oversee adherence to these standards. Furthermore, the leasing process includes rigorous clauses ensuring that the developer complies with all EIA requirements throughout the project’s implementation.
This approach aligns with the broader commitment of the Fijian Government to marry economic growth with environmental protection. Previous discussions had underscored this commitment during the approval process for the Nokonoko Integrated Development, which aims to establish a residential and commercial hub along the Suva-Nausori corridor while implementing stringent sustainability practices.
The Fijian Government is engaging in community consultations and collaborative efforts to ensure that such developments not only bolster local economies but also uphold environmental integrity. As developments in this area progress, there is a hopeful outlook that the project can achieve a harmonious balance, fostering sustainable growth that improves the quality of life for residents while prioritizing ecological considerations.