The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has defended the inclusion of REDD+ provisions in conservation lease agreements and a 5 percent share of carbon trading proceeds, saying the measures were introduced to safeguard the long-term interests of iTaukei landowners.
In a statement issued following concerns raised on social media, TLTB said REDD+ provisions were first incorporated into lease conditions in 2009, well before carbon markets became widely established in Fiji.
According to the Board, the provisions were introduced as a proactive measure to ensure landowners could benefit from future environmental and carbon market opportunities while supporting sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation efforts.
TLTB said the provisions now apply to all new forest, conservation, catchment, hydro and agricultural leases and are discussed with landowners during the lease consultation process.
The Board explained that REDD+, which focuses on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while enhancing forest carbon stocks, has since become an important feature of conservation, water catchment and special leases.
It said the provisions help protect landowners’ interests by ensuring conservation initiatives can generate long-term economic returns while also supporting responsible land stewardship and national climate goals.
Addressing concerns relating to a lease issued to Mataqali Nabukebuke, TLTB said all required due diligence was undertaken before the lease was approved in 2024.
The Board said extensive consultations were carried out with the landowning unit of Yavusa Nabukebuke to ensure stakeholders were fully informed before any decision was made.
TLTB also clarified that the 5 percent share of proceeds from carbon unit sales is not retained by the Board but is intended to ensure fair distribution of benefits among all landowning groups with customary interests in the leased area.
In the case of the Nabukebuke lease, the arrangement applies to Mataqali Nabukebuke, Naqelekautia and Mataqali Burekalou.
The Board noted that similar REDD+ provisions have been included in other conservation lease arrangements, including the well-established Sovi Basin conservation project.
TLTB further explained that while the regulated REDD+ carbon market has ceased, carbon trading continues through the voluntary market, where the Board has facilitated carbon trading for landowners under the Drawa Cooperative in Macuata for several years.
The Board said its approach reflects a consistent policy of promoting sustainable land use and climate financing opportunities for landowners.
TLTB also urged landowners to exercise caution when approached by individuals or organisations promoting carbon trading opportunities, warning against so-called “carbon cowboys” operating in Fiji.
It advised landowners not to enter into any carbon-related agreements without first consulting TLTB and obtaining the Board’s consent.
