It is vital to include landowners in discussions concerning the use of their land and resources, says the head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong.
The archbishop’s comment comes amid the ongoing discussions over concerns raised by villagers on mining activities in Namosi.
Archbishop Chong said through the teachings of Pope Francis on mining, it was clear that indigenous resource owners should always be part of discussions.
“Pope Francis begins by saying that many times the market means the companies are always not including people and the environment when they do their business, their mining and most times their interests lie in the profits,” he said.
“We forget the inclusion of people in the planning and consultation, and also they do not include the dignity of creation itself.
“Pope Francis talks about three points that should guide us — government, companies and landowners — on the exploitation of resources.
“The first one, he says it is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions.”
Archbishop Chong said currently there was a weakness in the existing system of consultations on this issue.
“Unfortunately, there has been a weakness in these mining industries.
“The consultation is not intense. In many cases, it involves a few people and mostly chiefs, while the ordinary people in the village are not consulted.
“The people closest to the project must participate.”
