Landowners in Wainunu, Bua, have raised concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale eucalyptus planting in their region, specifically addressing the need for more robust consultations. Epeli Matawalu, the Wainunu District Representative, has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Forestry in Labasa outlining the potential environmental hazards and stressing instances of excessive planting by the foreign company Xinfa in Nabale, Wainunu. Matawalu has emphasized the importance of grassroots consultations, particularly in the face of suspected use of banned chemicals and expansive eucalyptus cultivation.
The landowners are calling for greater involvement in decisions affecting their lands and resources, highlighting their role as custodians of these resources. Their concerns were acknowledged by the Acting Divisional Forestry Officer North, Uraia Racule, who clarified that the Ministry’s responsibility is confined to issuing logging licenses and not for planting. Wainunu’s Yaubula Committee Chair Lisala Ranamosa noted that Xinfa has agreed to present necessary documents at the district’s next meeting.
A Xinfa company representative promised transparency regarding chemical use, their environmental effects, and project progress. This situation echoes issues faced by other landowners in Fiji, who have previously expressed the need for better consultation in similar contexts. The Ministry of Forestry has reiterated the distinction between licensing for logging versus planting operations.
The concerns of the Wainunu landowners bring to light broader themes related to land use and resource management in Fiji, where many communities have called for more inclusive consultation processes. These dialogues underscore the importance of balancing development with environmental stewardship and community involvement. Despite the challenges, there is hope that these discussions will lead to more sustainable practices and ensure the participation of landowners in decisions that impact their lands and communities.