Resolving resource based conflicts, a top priority for Fiji
Representatives from Government agencies, some civil society organizations and non-Government
organizations for the first time discussed management and mitigation of resource based
development in a workshop which ended on Saturday, Sept 4, 2010 in Suva.
The four day workshop organised by the Prime Minister’s Office and the United Nations Development
Programme was aimed at assessing resource based conflict issues and its impact on development in Fiji
and drawing up recommendations on how Government could assist in dealing with such issues.
In his opening speech on Wednesday, Prime Minister’s Office Permanent Secretary Mr Pio Tikoduadua
said the Government spends 70 percent of time and money on resolving development conflicts.
“This workshop is very timely. There are numerous resource based conflict cases currently with
Government, and this is placing a heavy burden on our government machinery, our economy and
our people,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
He challenged the participants to take a holistic approach in drawing up solutions to development problems
when deliberating and discussing a way forward for Government over the four days at the Novotel Lami.
Participants responded by drawing up policy recommendations suggesting the active participation of
resource owners with regard to their development and investment opportunities, the strengthening of the
rural integrated framework and a review of women’s legal inheritance rights.
Deputy Secretary Prime Minister’s Office Mr Filimone Kau took on the commitment made by PMO
Permanent Secretary Mr Pio Tikoduadua in implementing the policy recommendations in his closing speech.
“We believe with the knowledge that has been applied that we can take these policy recommendations
and be proactive in creating an enabling environment for development,” Mr Kau said.
Tracy Vienings UNDP‘s Conflict Prevention & Peace Building Expert highlighted the importance of
dialogue between stakeholders, and that a coordinated and strategic approach was required to address
these key issues.
“The workshop provided a forum not only for the discussion of key issues and recommendations to enhance
coordination but an opportunity for those involved to further develop their understanding of conflict and its
impact on development, and, the processes and tools to assist resolving such issues.”
Plans for dialogue were set in motion at a UNDP regional workshop for conflict prevention practitioners in
Nadi in May 2010, when some representatives from government and civil society from Fiji requested UNDP
to assist in facilitating a process which will address resource based disputes as a national priority for
furthering Fiji’s development.
The Suva based Pacific Centre for Peace Building facilitated the Suva workshop.
Ends.
For further information contact Nanise Saune, Programme Associate, UNDP, nanise@saune.undp.org and or;
Karalaini Waqanidrola, Communications Specialist, PMO on 3552669 or kwaqanidrola@govnet.gov.fj
organizations for the first time discussed management and mitigation of resource based
development in a workshop which ended on Saturday, Sept 4, 2010 in Suva.
The four day workshop organised by the Prime Minister’s Office and the United Nations Development
Programme was aimed at assessing resource based conflict issues and its impact on development in Fiji
and drawing up recommendations on how Government could assist in dealing with such issues.
In his opening speech on Wednesday, Prime Minister’s Office Permanent Secretary Mr Pio Tikoduadua
said the Government spends 70 percent of time and money on resolving development conflicts.
“This workshop is very timely. There are numerous resource based conflict cases currently with
Government, and this is placing a heavy burden on our government machinery, our economy and
our people,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
He challenged the participants to take a holistic approach in drawing up solutions to development problems
when deliberating and discussing a way forward for Government over the four days at the Novotel Lami.
Participants responded by drawing up policy recommendations suggesting the active participation of
resource owners with regard to their development and investment opportunities, the strengthening of the
rural integrated framework and a review of women’s legal inheritance rights.
Deputy Secretary Prime Minister’s Office Mr Filimone Kau took on the commitment made by PMO
Permanent Secretary Mr Pio Tikoduadua in implementing the policy recommendations in his closing speech.
“We believe with the knowledge that has been applied that we can take these policy recommendations
and be proactive in creating an enabling environment for development,” Mr Kau said.
Tracy Vienings UNDP‘s Conflict Prevention & Peace Building Expert highlighted the importance of
dialogue between stakeholders, and that a coordinated and strategic approach was required to address
these key issues.
“The workshop provided a forum not only for the discussion of key issues and recommendations to enhance
coordination but an opportunity for those involved to further develop their understanding of conflict and its
impact on development, and, the processes and tools to assist resolving such issues.”
Plans for dialogue were set in motion at a UNDP regional workshop for conflict prevention practitioners in
Nadi in May 2010, when some representatives from government and civil society from Fiji requested UNDP
to assist in facilitating a process which will address resource based disputes as a national priority for
furthering Fiji’s development.
The Suva based Pacific Centre for Peace Building facilitated the Suva workshop.
Ends.
For further information contact Nanise Saune, Programme Associate, UNDP, nanise@saune.undp.org and or;
Karalaini Waqanidrola, Communications Specialist, PMO on 3552669 or kwaqanidrola@govnet.gov.fj
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