Traditional leaders recently convened for the inaugural Vanua o Nalolo Council of Chiefs meeting at the Fiji Marriott Momi Bay Resort, launching development projects valued at $300,000. This gathering has been described as a groundbreaking and heartfelt milestone, according to Sitiveni Nawaqa, the president of the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance.
During the meeting, attendees focused on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on December 22, 2025, which outlines a plan to allocate funds for community development and education. The assembly included representatives from six villages and six yavusa (clans), marking a unified effort to strategize future initiatives.
The designated funds will support numerous projects tailored to the specific needs of each of the six villages within the Vanua o Nalolo. A significant aspect of this endeavor is the partnership with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). Investment analyst Ratu Isoa Makutu presented on the MOU, emphasizing that it guarantees $1.02 million over three years for community-focused projects and sustainable opportunities for resource owners.
Ratu Isoa highlighted that the MOU prioritizes land-owning units for commercial ventures, provided they adhere to established standards. He also acknowledged the necessity of managing differing interests among landowning units to reduce potential conflicts over business opportunities related to the resort.
Proposed business ventures to be explored include transportation services, local produce supply, cultural entertainment, village and historic site tours, handicraft markets, nanny services, as well as recreational activities like horse riding and water sports.
The villages slated to benefit from these initiatives are Lomawai, Tau, Kubuna, Nakorokula, Bavu, and Navutu, all situated in Tikina Wai within the Nadroga/Navosa province. This collaborative initiative not only reflects a promising step towards sustainable development but also embodies a shared vision for unity and progress within the local communities. The commitment from these leaders to improve the livelihoods of their community members symbolizes hope and potential for a brighter future.