Department of Environment Limits Tabua Export

A rise in the exportation of tabua(whales tooth) has forced the Department of Environment to allow applicants to apply for only one when leaving the country.

A tabua is a polished tooth of a sperm whale that is an important cultural item in Fijian society.

Because the tabua is a cultural item and the tooth is sourced from an endangered species, the removal of tabua from Fiji is highly restricted at 225 exports per year.

Permits from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs are required as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits.

Principal officer Senivasa Waqairamasi was responding to a question raised from a participant on requirements of tabua exports during the Endangered and Protected Species (EPS), Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), and Waste and Pollution Control Roundtable at Novotel Hotel in Nadi on Monday.

She said one issue the department faced was the export of tabua out of the country.

“We have a total of 225 exports per year. 200 is for public use and 25 is for official use,” Ms Waqairamasi said.

“And for that, only 16 to 18 tabua in the past seven months were allowed to be imported.”

“There is no law around it, but we are asking applicants to register for only one tabua so that we can maximise the service we provide to other applicants.

“Even though there is a need of 15 per month, the demand goes as much as 20 in a month or more than that.”

Krishneel Nand, a senior environment officer, said once the quota was exhausted, they don’t expect applications.

“Applicants must apply beforehand before their departure. If you want to apply for tabua permit, it is better to apply five days prior to your departure,” he said.

“We have penalties and fines for those who don’t comply with the act.”

He added application forms came with the appropriate fees.

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