21st Anniversary Of Navakavu MPA
The Yavusa Navakavu yesterday marked its 21st anniversary of the Navakavu Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Chairman of the Navakavu Trustees Development Committee Seveci Naisilisili said this was the Yavusa o Navakavu’s pledge to the environment and to its future generations.
“We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders because there is still more work to be done,” he said.
“Unfortunately some committed members of the yavusa who started this project have now passed on and we remember them.”
Mr Naisilisili said the 21st anniversary of the Navakavu MPA demonstrated the people’s attitude of resilience – “O Navakavu Qoi”, which is the same commitment for their development plans.
He acknowledged Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas (FLAMMA) who have supported the vanua in its success and the University of the South Pacific for its continuing engagement with the vanua.
He said the the success of the Navakavu Marine Protection Area, also came with the tribe’s revitalisation plan that relies on the people, Government and business stakeholders as development partners.
Meanwhile, yesterday also marked the launching the Yavusa’s profile in collaboration with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs through the iTaukei Trust Board and the Native Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands.
Mr Naisilisili said the profile would assist them in engaging strategically on development.
The Yavusa was also finalising discussions and preparations with the Ministry of Health for the July launching of the Navakavu Health Screening Programme to bring health services to their community.
Mr Naisilisili acknowledged the Fijian Government for stepping forward and supporting the Yavusa’s strategic plan for 2018-2022.
Mr Naisilisili said yesterday’s pledging conference was a historic occasion for the vanua o Navakavu as they pledged their commitments towards the Navakavu Revitalisation Strategy Plan.
He said the tribe wanted to show the world that Fiji was not only helping build success on the international stage, but the people were able to translate a revitalised talanoa setting at the grassroots and community level to materialise the “think globally, act locally” actions.
“Our Prime Minister continues to inspire us to commence the work on our development, for this reason we are committed to working in close collaboration with the Government,” Mr Naisilisili said.
He said the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s presence at the event yesterday demonstrated how he is engaged with the people at the grassroots level.
“He is very engaged even at the grassroots and community level that Fiji is “walking the talk”. vinaka vakalevu na Gone Turaga na Prime Minister ni noda Vanua.”
Edited by Epineri Vula
