Leaked emails have surfaced, revealing that forestry officials in Fiji have consistently ignored requests from Wainunu villagers to attend meetings regarding a controversial eucalyptus project managed by Xinfa Group of Companies. Documents reviewed by The Fiji Times indicate that landowners and community groups have made multiple attempts since July last year to engage the Ministry of Forestry, yet most of these attempts went unanswered or faced conditions that postponed dialogue.
On July 17, 2024, Epeli Matawalu, a representative from the Wainunu district, invited Uraia Racule, the acting divisional forestry officer for the northern area, to a meeting scheduled for July 24 at Cogea Village. This invitation, relayed by the Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) officer Metuisela Gauna, stressed the importance of the ministry’s participation in addressing village concerns about the eucalyptus project.
Despite acknowledging previous invitations, Mr. Racule did not attend the meetings. Another plea for ministry involvement was made on November 24 by SEEP’s Cema Rokodredre, who emphasized the villagers’ right to informed communication about the developments affecting their lands. The ministry’s delayed response put conditions on their attendance, demanding formal requests backed by the provincial council. SEEP met these conditions on December 8, yet further stipulations arose, requiring endorsements by the Bua Provincial Office.
The villagers’ dissatisfaction grew, especially when a scheduled meeting in Daria was abruptly canceled by the ministry. Wainunu Conservation steward leader Laisala Ranamosa expressed the community’s frustration and feeling of neglect, as they had been seeking answers for over a year. The persistent efforts to involve the ministry reflect a deep-seated issue of communication and engagement between the local community and forestry officials.
In response to the villagers’ concerns, Mr. Racule committed to attending future meetings in Wainunu to ensure that landowner concerns were addressed appropriately before any further development occurs.
This situation is not unique in Fiji, as similar disputes have occurred, such as those involving hydroelectric dam projects in other regions. In those cases, communities also voiced concerns over insufficient consultation and potential environmental impacts, highlighting ongoing issues in balancing development objectives with community rights and environmental stewardship. It underscores the necessity for transparent communication and collaboration between authorities and indigenous landowners to facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes.