Fiji’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Office of the Solicitor-General have begun the review of the Regulation of Surfing Areas Act 2010 (Act).
In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the Act was among one of the priority laws the Coalition Government made a commitment to review, in line with their aim of protecting the rights of indigenous Fijians and ensuring equitable benefits.
Mr Gavoka said they had started the review through a preliminary consultation on August 17, 2023, led by Attorney-General Siromi Turaga with key government and tourism industry stakeholders.
He said a number of additional public consultations were scheduled around Fiji beginning on August 28 to September 4, 2023.
“We are also inviting written submissions from the public, industry, civil society organisations, academia and communities to ensure the process is transparent and consultative,” Mr Gavoka said.
“We are very fortunate in Fiji in the sense that we are blessed with a pristine environment and natural resources.
“And our world-renowned surf is an example. So as the Government of the day, we want to safeguard our resources while driving equitable benefit.
“The Coalition Government is confident that the commitments it made will be realised for the benefit of the people of Fiji.”
