The people of Lau showcased their traditional knowledge, handicrafts and dances at the inaugural Lau Yaubula Day Festival in Suva yesterday.
Opening the event, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said it provided a platform to celebrate the relationship between the people of the Lau islands.
“I have no doubt that this event will strengthen kinship ties and reinforce the spirit and aspirations of family values at tikina, village, mataqali, tokatoka and vuvale level for the greater good of the people,” Ratu Wiliame said.
He said the vanua o Lau possessed a large maritime domain that contributed substantially to the national economy, and provided recreation, food and income as well as a myriad of other benefits to coastal communities across Fiji.
“The Lau Yaubula Day celebration is set at a unique moment in time – as climate change impacts accelerate and the need for rapid economic development rises to support the wellbeing of our people.”
Mere Lakeba, Conservation International Fiji country program director, commended the people of Lau for their collaboration towards the Yaubula Festival.
“The blending of tradition and heritage with our sustainable development initiatives beautifully exemplifies the core values of the Lau Seascape Strategy — maintaining cultural integrity while advancing conservation and livelihood targets,” Ms Lakeba said.
“In Lau, where nature and tradition go hand in hand, the ocean isn’t just a resource — it’s a cornerstone of our prosperity and way of life.”
