Press Release Detail

The Ministry of Forestry is advancing the development of an innovative agroforestry plot at Natavacoko, a project that promises to bring both environmental and economic benefits to the local community. Situated on land owned by the Mataqali Natavacoko of Malomalo Village in Nadroga Province, this project was officially established in April, 2024.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Forestry, University of Fiji, the University of South Australia and the Ministry of Agriculture. The primary aim is to support the Ministry's Western Division Annual Operational Plan (AOP) Output 7.3, which encourages each division of the Ministry of Forestry to develop an agroforestry plot.

The Natavacoko agroforestry plot has seen a diverse range of seedlings planted, including 200 Soursop, 50 coconuts, 30 Tarawau (Dracontomelon vitiensis), 15 Sandalwood, 20 Kavika (Malay apple), 30 Vesi (Pacific teak), 26 trenches of yams (8 kg), 85 bongo chilies, 100 eggplants, and 385 pineapples. The yam seedlings were supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture.

To date, 39.523 hectares of land have been fenced, with fencing materials provided by both the Mataqali and the Ministry of Forestry. This infrastructure will help protect the growing plot from environmental challenges and ensure the successful growth of the various plant species.

The establishment of this agroforestry plot aligns with the requests from the Natavacoko Youth of Malomalo Village, who envision using the fruits from the plot to support their long-term goal of constructing traditional iTaukei thatched houses (Bures) at their beachfront. The produce will not only benefit the local youth but it will also be made available to nearby resorts, boosting local economic opportunities in the future.

This initiative highlights the Ministry of Forestry’s commitment to sustainable development and community support, enhancing both environmental stewardship and local livelihoods in Fiji’s Western Division.

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