The Department of Environment has not made any decision regarding any further development on the reefs surrounding Qamea Island, Taveuni.
The development, under the banner of Qamea World Wave Project includes the trimming and cutting of reefs to create huge waves for surfing purposes.
The department’s permanent secretary Joshua Wycliffe said they had received and registered concerns from the public regarding the proposed development and the potential impacts it might have on their businesses and the marine.
“The Director of Environment has not made any decision to approve, not approve or approve with conditions and will only be able to do so once the Environment Impact Assessment report has been submitted,” he said.
“We are aware that the consultants for the proposed development are carrying out consultations with resource owners and other relevant stakeholders in Taveuni and Qamea.
“The proposed development is listed under Schedule 2 Part 1 of the Environment Management Act 2005 and the director of Environment will make a decision after rigorously following the mandated EIA processes specified under the Act,” Mr Wycliffe said.
The first round of consultation held at Naselesele Village on Taveuni last week ended with a rejection from the qoliqoli customary owners of the vanua of Wainikeli.
