2 weeks Ago By Anasilini Natoga
ITAUKEI Land Trust Board (TLTB) CEO Solomoni Nata has shared insights into the ongoing review of the Qoliqoli Bill, aiming to address commercial maritime usage and reinforce indigenous fishing rights. Speaking at the Fiji Law Society convention in Nadi yesterday, Mr Nata described his recent visit to Noco Village in Rewa, where he witnessed villagers struggling to access traditional fishing grounds because of licencing restrictions. “I was in Noco Village last night, it’s one of the villages among the mangroves in the Rewa Delta,” he said.
“I found out these people have no land, but the sea is their source of living but right now they are facing difficulty. “Most of the time they go there, they must get the licence and they are being chased out from the area they traditionally fish (in). It was the source of livelihood of hundreds of people and that’s the effect.
“So, I told them the Bill is under review by the Government and hopefully, to remove some of those imposing parts to recognise the traditional rights of iTaukei to fish from their iqoliqoli.” Solicitor-General Ropate Green Lomavatu confirmed the Government’s endorsement of the review last year, with Australian and local consultants involved in drafting amendments. The revised Bill is expected to enhance protections for indigenous fishing areas across Fiji.
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