TLTB Leads Collaborative Effort to Develop Viti Levu Land Use Master Plan

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) is spearheading a transformative initiative to develop the Greater Viti Levu Land Use Master Plan, marking a significant step toward sustainable land management across Fiji.

Yesterday, key stakeholders from various sectors convened in Suva, for a vital consultation aimed at gathering insights and feedback on this comprehensive land use framework for the whole of Viti Levu from the shoreline to the heart of the interior.

Officiating the event was the Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna, who praised TLTB for its visionary leadership in shaping the future of Fiji’s land use. He commended the Board’s proactive approach in ensuring that the Master Plan aligns with the needs of the iTaukei landowners and the broader goals of national development.

Hon. Tubuna highlighted the urgency of such planning in light of Fiji’s rapid urbanization. “As Fiji continues to experience a shift from rural-to-urban migration, the resulting strain on public infrastructure, services, and resources becomes increasingly evident. Urban centers such as Suva and Lautoka face challenges including overcrowded transportation systems, overburdened health and education services, and insufficient housing to meet growing demands. These pressures necessitate proactive urban and regional planning to ensure sustainable growth, balancing economic opportunities with social and environmental wellbeing,” he said.

He further emphasized the importance of a collective approach to land use, stating, “By participating in the development of this Master Land Use Plan for Viti Levu, we have an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of our nation in a way that is sustainable, equitable, and reflective of the diverse needs of our communities. The contrasting land use demands in our regions—whether residential, agricultural, industrial, or conservation—require a thoughtful and coordinated approach that can only be achieved through the combined efforts of all stakeholders.”

In his keynote address, TLTB CEO Mr. Solomone Nata underscored the importance of land use planning not only at the national level but also at provincial, tikina, village, and landowning unit levels.

“Extensive collaboration across individuals, the private sector, and public institutions is key to developing a sustainable plan that reflects the real-world experiences and needs of the people on the ground,” he stated.

Mr. Nata further stressed that the Master Plan must align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Coalition Government’s climate action strategy, ensuring that land use planning supports Fiji’s commitment to addressing climate change.

Mr. Nata also unveiled TLTB’s ambitious vision of creating a “One Map Fiji,” a unified land use planning tool that will guide sustainable development and ensure that all growth is carefully coordinated. “This plan will help us ensure that development is equitable, balanced, and environmentally sustainable, benefiting landowners and the nation as a whole.”