The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has conducted nationwide awareness sessions on the Environment Management Act with key agencies and organisations involved in approving development projects across Fiji.
Led by the Ministry’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Unit, the sessions briefed government agencies, statutory bodies, provincial representatives, municipal councils, environmental practitioners and registered EIA consultants on the Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2025 and its implications for development planning and approval processes.
The programme was held across the Central, Western and Northern Divisions to ensure stakeholders throughout the country have a clear understanding of the amended legislation.
A key focus was the role of Licensing Authorities, which issue permits, approvals, leases and licences for development activities. These agencies are responsible for ensuring that environmental requirements are identified early and properly applied before approvals are granted.
Participating Licensing Authorities included the Department of Lands and Office of the Surveyor General, Mineral Resources Department, Forestry Department, Department of Town and Country Planning, iTaukei Land Trust Board, and the Department of Waterways.
Engagement was also extended to Municipal Councils, the Water Authority of Fiji, Housing Authority of Fiji, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, Fiji Roads Authority, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, Energy Fiji Limited, Provincial Conservation Officers under the iTaukei Affairs Board, and registered EIA consultants.
The central message was that environmental responsibility is not the duty of one agency alone. While development remains important for economic growth, it must be planned and carried out in a way that protects Fiji’s natural resources, communities and future generations.
The sessions also highlighted stronger compliance and enforcement provisions under the amended Act, improved coordination between agencies, and the important role of Environmental Impact Assessments in identifying and managing environmental risks before projects proceed.
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, said the amendments are intended to strengthen accountability, transparency and discipline in development decision-making.
“The amended Act is not just a legal update. It is a clear message that development approvals in Fiji must be responsible, coordinated and lawful. No agency should treat environmental safeguards as an afterthought. If a project requires an EIA, that requirement must be identified early, applied consistently and respected before decisions are made. Sustainable development is not about slowing progress. It is about ensuring progress does not come at the cost of our communities, our natural resources, or future generations.”
Dr Michael said the Ministry will continue to work closely with Licensing Authorities and stakeholders to ensure the new requirements are understood and consistently applied across Fiji.
The Ministry encourages all agencies to align their internal processes with the updated legislation as Fiji continues to pursue sustainable development while protecting the environment that supports the nation’s livelihoods, economy and way of life.