No other destination rivals Fiji’s incredible beaches, welcoming people and world-class surf breaks. Now, it’s at another critical juncture as it continues to work to regain Indigenous sovereignty over its waters. The country is home to about one million tourists a year, with surfers in particular lured by its flawless, barrelling reef breaks. Tourism constitutes the lifeblood of Fiji’s economy, contributing about 40% to the nation’s GDP. In just the past year, Fiji generated approximately FJ$2.5 billion (US$1 billion) from this key sector.
The Indigenous inhabitants of Fiji, or iTaukei, have struggled incredibly hard to get their portion of the fruits of tourism. This business is dependent on their stunning coral reef ecosystems and gorgeous fishing waters. In response to their demands, the Fijian government has proposed new legislation aimed at returning the rights to govern marine areas—referred to as qoliqoli—back to the iTaukei. This new initiative arrives as conversations continue over how to manage booming tourism while respecting Indigenous rights and protecting the environment.
So far the state administration focuses mostly on managing leases for hotels and tourism industries in Fiji. This of course has led to widespread anxiety within the iTaukei community about the violation of their rights and advantages. Previously, customary owners were offered a single payment in exchange for relinquishing their fishing rights. Even some tourism supporters claim that amount goes too far given the cash-cow nature of tourism.
In 2010, under the leadership of Frank Bainimarama’s military government, a surfing decree was enacted that prohibited payments for the use of Fiji’s reefs, lagoons, and beaches. This decree ended every single exclusivity deal. With the new law, formerly restricted but world-famous surf breaks such as Fiji’s Cloudbreak are now open and accessible to everyone. Prior to this piece of legislation, the Tavarua Island Resort was paying local Nadroga clans for exclusive access to the surf break. The new decree has nixed those deals. This legislation effectively invalidated leases valued at over 12 million Fijian dollars (US$5.2 million) between the country’s resort operators and local villages in the area. Consequently, many local agreements were severely upended.
Fiji’s connection to the ocean goes beyond tourism. The archipelago’s history and culture are intertwined with it. Newborns are deeply tied to the ocean, as their umbilical cords have traditionally been buried in the reefs surrounding the islands. This bond reflects the centrality of marine resources to iTaukei identity and plays a significant role in their livelihood.
The Qoliqoli bill has a long and controversial history of generating passionate discussion in Fiji. It was a failed attempt to pass similar legislation back in 2006 that largely set the stage for Bainimarama’s coup. The new legislation both empowers iTaukei and ensures their meaningful participation in tourism. It places a focus on sustainably managing Fiji’s natural resources.
Stakeholders have expressed both support and concern about the potential impacts of the proposed legislation. Fantasha Lockington emphasized the need for clarity on how the legislation will impact tourism leases and access to marine sites.
“We need a far clearer understanding of how it will affect tourism leases, accessibility to marine sites and practical enforcement.” – Fantasha Lockington
James Sloan joined in with these concerns, pointing to implications for business models and funding arrangements in the industry of tourism.
“It will affect business models and funding arrangements.” – James Sloan
Usaia Gaunavou during his presentation to the UPR Working Group. He underscored the foundation of the policy shift as a desire to empower the largely indigenous iTaukei people.
“The policy objective has always been iTaukei empowerment.” – Usaia Gaunavou
Economic experts such as Dr. Paresh Pant argue that this law could create a more equitable tourism model that benefits all stakeholders while ensuring sustainable resource use.
“At its best, this law supports tourism that lifts everyone socio-economically while making the use of Fiji’s natural resources sustainable.” – Dr Paresh Pant
Many community members are uncomfortable with the notion of charging people for access to natural resources. This trepidation is making for an exciting discussion amongst them. Muller highlighted a dominant anti-monetization vibe in the room.
“People don’t like the idea of paying for nature in general; they think it’s free for all, but nature comes at a price. It needs to be protected.” – Muller
Today, Fiji is at the forefront of grappling with these sticky questions. The country’s leaders are committed to protecting its breathtaking landscapes as well as guaranteeing that the country’s Indigenous people reap economic rewards of tourism. If successful, this legislative initiative has the potential to redefine how local communities relate to the tourism industry. It hopes to address long-time injustices of resource control and rights.