A delegation from the Government of New Caledonia enroute to the Forum Trade Minister's Meeting in Tonga paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs yesterday.
They were received by the Permanent Secretary Mr Savenaca Kaunisela and his senior officers.
The entourage was led by the Minister Mr Anthony Lecren who is in charge of Economy, Trade, Environment, Land development and Housing in the Government of New Caledonia and accompanied by Mr. Bruno Iekawe, Head of Staff, Mr Christian Tein, Deputy Head of Staff, Mr François Bockel, Head of Regional Cooperation and External Affairs, Ms Marie-Paule Caruso, Attaché of Regional Cooperation and Mr. Bertold Schmitt, the Interpreter.
Discussions centered on the Government of New Caledonia’s current effort to better utilize indigenous owned land and at the same time safeguard the land owner’s interest.
Mr Kaunisela provided the visitors with an overview of the Fijian experience with the protection of indigenous interests by traditional land owning units and the Government’s effort in establishing a land bank that is poised to not only safeguard the interests of iTaukei landowners but to also provide an avenue within which land development is maximised so that landowning units in Fiji benefit.
Mr Kaunisela also provided insights into the various statutes and bodies involved in the safeguarding of iTaukei interest, and said that Government is closely collaborating with indigenous land owning units while ensuring proper allocation and utilization of land to boost economic development in Fiji.
He further stressed the importance of consulting indigenous land owners to ensure they get a fair share of the profits gained from the development of their land.
In the ensuing discussions, the Hon. Mr. Lecren highlighted that, “traditional lands have a high relevance to customs and way of life of any indigenous community and these traditional interests tend to be sidelined in the face modern day developments.”
This he said needs some commitment from all stakeholders and the Government of New Caledonia had established a Department of Traditional Affairs in 2010 to look into this important area.
Mr Lecren applauded efforts put in place with regard to the protection of iTaukei interests and government efforts in facilitating developmental partnership.
In his closing remarks, the Mr Lecren conveyed his appreciation on the information that had been exchanged between the parties adding his anticipation in learning from the Fijian experience.
-End-