A four-day training on Cooperative Management was successfully delivered on the island of Vanua Balavu by the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications. Partnering with Conservation International and Lau Seascape, the training was delivered under the Coastal Fisheries Improvement Plan programme in Vanua Balavu.
The training (13-16/10/25) brought together participants from the two Tikinas of Lomaloma and Mualevu, with representatives from the two outlying islands of Tuvuca and Cikobia also in attendance. The two islands have existing businesses, namely Tuvuca Cooperatives Ltd and Cikobia Cooperatives Ltd, and were supported to strengthen their governance and management capacity.
Modules covered cooperative governance, record keeping, and enteprise developmentment tailored to the realities of coastal communities with the overall aim to help local groups build sistainable income streams while promoting responsible stewardship of marine and natural resources.
“Cooperatives offer maritime communities a chance to manage their natural resources responsibly while building stronger local economies,” said Cooperative Trainer Mr Beniame Bulilevuka.
“When communities unite around shared enterprise, they can achieve both financial independence and sustainable stewardship of their environment.”
Following the training, eight villages expressed interest in registering new cooperatives.
Awareness sessions and founders’ meetings were held, and registration documents are now being prepared. Proposed ventures include fishing, handicraft production, virgin coconut oil processing, catering and bakery services, and community shops.
“Our goal is to equip every participant with the confidence and knowledge to turn their ideas into viable businesses that benefit both families and the wider marine ecosystem,” Mr Bulilevuka added.
Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, SME and Communications, Mr Shaheen Ali, commended the initiative, stating: “Building capacity at the community level is critical for Fiji’s inclusive growth. By empowering our maritime communities through cooperative models, we are nurturing self-reliance and responsible entrepreneurship that align with national development priorities.”
The Ministry remains committed to strengthening community-based enterprises across the maritime islands to ensure that development in Lau is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable.