Written by Paradise Tabucala, Regional Communications Officer, Live & Learn Fiji

The Fijian Government has praised the work undertaken by the Drawa Block Forest Communities Cooperative (DBFCC) in empowering communities and families within the villages of Drawa, Lutukina, Narailagi, Batiri and Vatuvonu.

Speaking during his visit to Drawa, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Honorable Manoa Kamikamica reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting locally led efforts which over the years has seen the eight mataqali form a cooperative and then receive 16 tranches of revenue under the carbon trading scheme.

‘I have heard about the Drawa Block Forest Community Co-operative and this is my first time here,’ the Deputy Prime Minister said. ‘It is a long journey to reach your village and seeing you here is evidence of your hard work, your vision and your perseverance.

‘This government is dedicated to indigenous empowerment. We have heard of carbon trading and seeing your success today, as well as your long-term vision and the way forward you have outlined, I am happy to advise you that the Fijian Government is working on a law to ensure that your income from carbon trading is tax free so that you benefit directly from your income from the environment.’

The Drawa Block Forest Community Cooperative (DBFCC) consists for eight landowning units or mataqali from five villages within the district who had initially planned to log their forests. However, following consultations and a partnership with Live & Learn and the Nakau Programme, they decided to venture into carbon trading.

The Drawa Block Forest spans 1,549 hectares of virgin forest which has been leased for carbon trading and an additional 6,452 hectares under management. The DBFCC have ten forest rangers who closely monitor the forests and work closely with Live & Learn.  Through Live & Learn, these rangers undergo training on undertaking forest inventory, sustainable forest management practices, and carbon credit trading.  So far, the DBFCC has recorded 16 successful carbon revenue tranches since 2018.

To date, the eight mataqali have earned over $817,000 in royalties and have started a honey making business for the women, a scholarship fund for youths from within these communities who pursue higher education as well as opened up savings account with the Fijian Holdings Unit Trust.

In his presentation to the government delegation, Mr. Jeremaia Lotawa, the Head Forest Ranger, spoke on the vision of the journey over the years by the eight mataqali and how the DBFCC has improved their livelihoods.

‘Through the cost sharing benefit scheme we have in place, we have managed to open up a honey business, whilst others have small businesses running in the villages,’ Mr Lotawa said. ‘Some have seen them purchase brush cutters to start business, open up canteens and we have even built bus shelters.

‘In Drawa village, we are renovating the village hall. Our youths in the DBFCC were even able to procure tee shirts for their uniform and all this was through the DBFCC. This is all through carbon trading. Our way forward now is to establish a market for our grog [kava] business, focus on eco-tourism and also approach stakeholders to bring connectivity to our homes.’

Addressing the 50 community representatives, Director for Cooperatives, Iosefo Koroidimuri welcomed the role DBFCC has had in lifting the standards in the eight mataqali adding that the Drawa Block Forest Communities Cooperative has set a successful precedence for the country and encouraged the communities to diversify.

‘We have been looking for successful cooperative models and DBFCC has laid the challenge for all other communities around Fiji,’ he said. ‘Do not stop here; draw up a plan and venture into other types of tourism. The Fijian Government is here to help and through grants we will be able to assist. This is what we are wanting to replicate throughout all communities as we look at strengthening co-operatives.

‘Vanua Levu is now becoming the focus of the government and soon there will be an influx of tourists. Capitalise on this. In twenty years’ time, the Vanua Levu we envision will be different and it is through successful cooperatives like this.’

The Honorable Deputy Prime Minister in closing the meeting gave reassurance to the community members and the DBFCC that they will work with the Government to ensure that Drawa is on the list for those identified communities in need of connectivity through Star Link as well as providing reassurance to those in attendance that they will work closely with the DBFCC to ensure that the Drawa Block is a success.

The Drawa Forest Project is a partnership between the Drawa Block Forest Community Cooperative, Nakau Programme and Live & Learn Fiji.