Lomaiviti Provincial Council chairman Samuela Vadei is calling for stronger protection of the province’s natural resources, raising concerns over pollution, illegal fishing, climate change, drugs and the growing impact of rising fuel prices on island communities. Mr Vadei spoke during the Lomaiviti Development Forum in Suva, which focused on improving awareness among tikina (district) and village representatives on issues affecting maritime communities, including drugs, land disputes, crime, health and environmental protection. He said the programme also aimed to help villagers better understand Government systems, their legal rights as landowners and custodians of i-qoliqoli (fishing grounds), and the responsibilities tied to resource ownership.
