Deed of trust at centre of talks

FORMALISING a deed of trust and yaubula capacity building initiatives were the centre of discussions for 13 district leaders of the vanua o Lau this week.

The talks were held at the Nadave Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development in Tailevu.

A press statement issued by Conservation International (CI) said the 13 chiefs deliberated on the consolidation of a deed of trust for the vanua o Lau and formalisation of the trust and its operations.

The forum also ensured Yaubula Management Support Team representatives would undergo training facilitated by CI and Lau Seascape Initiative partners including Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas Network, Pacific Blue Foundation, the ministries of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment, Fiji Museum, cChange, World Wildlife Fund for Nature, University of the South Pacific and Grace Trifam Ministry.

“The goal of the four-day event is the deliberation of the Vanua o Lau Trust and establishing an agreed level of contribution of the Lau Seascape (Na cau nei Lau) toward holistic sustainable natural capital management and development in alignment with the Lau Seascape Strategy,” said Conservation International.

“The deed of trust recognises the significant roles of local and traditional custodians in sustainable resource management and articulates the consolidated commitment by the 13 traditional leaders of the vanua o Lau, to restore their terrestrial and marine resources.”