Fiji Plans to Give Tribes Coastal Control
November 14, 2003
Fiji's government said Friday it plans to give tribes control of thousands of miles of coral lagoons, beaches and reefs, a move that alarmed the country's tourism industry.
Tourism officials said they fear the decision will lead to clashes with Fijian tribes over the right to swim, fish, dive, sail, surf and picnic along Fiji's palm-fringed coastlines.
Fiji's economy depends on the millions of dollars tourists spend at the nation's plush resorts.
Tourist operators said some Fijian tribesmen already demand payment from surfers and divers using the crystal-clear waters surrounding the South Pacific nation's hundreds of islands.
A Fijian warrior holds a traditional war axe during a ceremony of apology for British missionary Rev. Thomas Baker, who was eaten in 1867, in Nabutautau, Fiji, Thursday, Nov 13, 2003. Descendants of Rev Baker attended the ceremony in the remote community high in the hills of the South Pacific Island of Viti Levu where the residents say their community has been cursed since Baker and eight Fijian followers were consumed 136 years ago. (AP Photo/Samisoni Pareti)
One dive operator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press some Fijians claim ownership of waves suitable for surfing as they wash toward a barrier reef.
Olivia Pareti, secretary of the Fiji Hotel Association, said Friday that the government's surrender of coastal areas could cause problems unless a tribunal was set up to supervise administration of the shoreline and reef areas.
At a meeting with the Great Council of Chiefs, a powerful group of tribal leaders, Attorney General Qoriniasi Bale said the government would pass a law next year to transfer ownership of lagoon areas to the tribes that claimed them.
He insisted there would be no interference with public access to foreshore areas.
Under Fijian custom, reef areas known as "qoliqoli" near villages belong to the local indigenous tribe, which also owns fishing rights.
In the past, tourism operators and ethnic Indians who make up more than 40 percent of Fiji's population have been challenged by some tribal groups over their access to these areas.
Fijian tribes retain ownership over more than 90 percent of all land in the country, although much of it is leased to non-indigenous people like ethnic Indian farmers.
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