6 August 2012: Sustainable management of land resources in development was highlighted during a workshop on Land Use Awareness, held in Lautoga, Fiji, by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division, in collaboration with Fiji’s Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) Agriculture Department. The workshop aimed to contribute to efforts to minimize land degradation by basing land use on its capability for future development.

According to Inoke Ratukalou, SPC Acting Director, Land Resources Division, speaking during the workshop, land use planning is a logical process for resolving demands for competing land uses, and is becoming increasingly important for Fiji. Ratukalou said land use planning not only supports development initiatives but also encourages sustainability, identifies optimum management practices, and fosters economic growth, leading to improvements in living standards. He added that appropriate adaptation measures and mitigation efforts can protect the land and livelihoods of Fiji from long-term impacts of floods, agricultural practices and infrastructure on the country’s agriculture economy.

Representatives from Fiji’s Department of Forests, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, iTaukei Land Trust Board, Environment Department and Ministry of Provincial Development participated in the workshop. [SPC Press Release]