The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has a plan to establish conservation areas through landowners units mapping and master land use plans, says TLTB environment officer Josua Waqanivalu.
Speaking in Nadi at the Situation Analysis Workshop on Forest Landscape Restoration in Fiji, Mr Waqanivalu said they planned to formalise these areas through leasing agreements with interested parties committed to environmental preservation.
“Some of the criteria for selecting these areas include biodiversity and cultural significance,” Mr Waqanivalu said.
Aside from precise demarcation and mapping to prevent unauthorised activities, he said the master land use plan detailed strategies for responsible land use.
“Conservation areas will be leased to protect wildlife habitats and cultural heritages with collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry to identify more sites for leasing.”
