MINING STOPPED AT NAVITI LEVU BAY.
We have a good reason to celebrate and share the achievements we have made in our work in as far as Environmental Protection and Justice is concerned.
After 3 years of constantly raising awareness, advocacy, community visitations and standing up to Government and huge mining corporations on issues relating to environmental degradation through Unsustainable Mining practices, - the Chinese mining company has withdrawn its application for a Prospecting / Mining Licences at Naviti Levu bay due to the strong opposition by the Landowners and all the tribes across the 4 main villages at Naviti Levu bay.
We have direct influence in these decisions and actions as our Awareness and Consultations with the Chiefs and landowners came just at the right time which consolidated their decisions to oppose the incentives by the mining company to mine their beautiful bay and village front as can be seen in the pictures below.
Our work for JPIC has a lot of positive effects in our Communities.
This was our first meeting on the night of March 23rd, 2023. According to the Paramount Chief of Naviti Levu – Tui Naviti Levu( King of Naviti levu) sitting on my right was the night he and his tribal chiefs who are sitting around me together with the head of his Warrior Clan (on the left in stripe t shirt) made the final decisions that they are “ never going to give up their land for money”. This was after I showed them the impacts already happening in Votua, Ba and how it is worrying the people of Sigatoka and for this the high Chief has conveyed his deep gratitude and thanks for our coming and enlightening them in the difficult moments of decision making for the future of his people.
Meeting on the night of June 21st with Kosi from Caritas Fiji elaborating on Social Justice
Navuniivi village
Our work with our Partners - Jubilee Australia, Fiji Council of Social Services ( FCOSS) and Caritas Fiji is a valuable and important network which I acknowledge and thankful for because in this field it is impossible to work alone which is why Network Solidarity, Funding support and Synodality is vital.
From Navuniivi village to our next village. – Nayavuira village.
Along the way passing their District school of the 4 villages and boat is the only way of transportation- meaning children from year 1 – year 8 have to board. (aged 6 – 14)
Nayavuira village – And they are all in Solidarity towards “No Mining”.
Nasau village – has benefited a lot from Environment Protection and Conservation and they are reaping the rewards of Conservation and Mangrove planting along their foreshore which is also filled with Black Sand
Veidrala village – Very Enthusiastic in Environment Protection and Anti Mining.
Working Forward
The War is far from over. We have won this battle now so far. For now, -the Naviti Levu bay and her people are Safe. But, the enemy will try to find another way in, in another form at a later time.
Our work is to be Vigilant and to be proactive in Awareness, Advocacy and Community Action.
What needs to be done;
- Share this Awareness throughout Fiji and the Archdiocese of Suva and to Advocate for Ecological Conversion as we have been asked in Laudato Si.
- Learn and share with different communities what are the best practical- sustainable solutions that works in their different contexts.
- Climate Change and Bio Diversity loss are the top priorities for our World now and should be the focus of our Community Environmental Awareness & Activity Program (CEAAP) in relation to our Columban Priorities.
- JPIC Team of Volunteers needs to be formed. Formation and Training needs to undertake for Sustainability of our programs .( 5 people)
I had a great sense of Relief and Peacefulness as we passed with a boatful of children and villagers knowing that at least their beautiful “Oikos” is safe now as we continue on with our Mission.
Thanking all the support and assistance from our Columban Mission office – Suva – Oceania region and our Partners for the work so far.
Vinaka Vakalevu
Tevita Naikasowalu – JPIC Coordinator – Fiji – Oceania Region.
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