A new chapter of partnership and growth has begun for the people of Namosi with the recent inauguration of the Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park. This community bamboo park, officially opened just two days ago, represents Fiji’s dedication to decentralized conservation and sustainability. The event marked by the presence of the Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Alitia Bainivalu, took place on the land of the Mataqali Namara.
During the launch ceremony, Minister Bainivalu highlighted that the park is not simply a tourist attraction; it signifies the beginning of a collaborative approach to managing the nation’s natural resources. “For too long, conservation was seen as solely a government responsibility; today, we declare that it is a shared economic and environmental partnership,” she said.
The Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park provides the Mataqali Namara with a sustainable income stream through ecotourism and the creation of value-added bamboo products, while simultaneously preserving their traditional forests for future generations. “This initiative allows communities to earn from protecting their forests, not destroying them,” she noted.
This development aligns closely with the recently passed Forestry Act, which acknowledges the vanua—referring to the land and its people—as primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of forest resources. Minister Bainivalu emphasized that this legislation not only protects these investments but also legitimizes business ventures, positioning the ministry as a technical partner rather than simply an overseer.
The inauguration of the park is the result of years of planning and engagement from the Mataqali Namara community, who were recognized for successfully crafting a business plan and market strategy. The park is expected to support Fiji’s National Climate Resilience Goals, contributing to global efforts to safeguard 30% of land and marine areas by the year 2030.
Describing this development as “more than just infrastructure,” Minister Bainivalu characterized it as an essential seed planted in the ancestral soil of the community. This initiative is poised to inspire other regions in Namosi and across Fiji as they seek out sustainable economic opportunities. It not only promotes environmental conservation but also empowers local communities, demonstrating the potential of collaborative efforts in achieving both environmental stewardship and economic development.