A committee designed to strengthen the work carried out in protecting and promoting the interests of indigenous resource owners was established this week.

The National Resource Owners Committee was established in Nadave, Tailevu this week after 14 Roko Tuis and 14 iTaukei resource owners representing the 14 provinces signed the agreement.

The signing ceremony was organised by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs as the need to protect the interest of local communities and indigenous groups in the management of their resources.

In a statement the Ministry’s permanent secretary Savenaca Kaunisela said that the event is another milestone for the ministry.

Kaunisela said the objectives of the Committee is to promote the capacity development of the iTaukei, to make informed decision making processes that affect their resources.

He said it is also aimed at supporting efforts to increase the resilience of the local iTaukei communities against the impacts of climate change and natural disaster.

Tthe Committee will report to the iTaukei Affairs Board through the Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs.