Fiji Plans to Give Tribes Coastal Control
By ROBERT KEITH-REID
Associated Press Writer
SUVA, Fiji
"Fiji's government said Friday it plans to give tribes control of thousands of miles of coral lagoons, beaches and reefs, a move that alarmed the country's tourism industry.
Tourism officials said they fear the decision will lead to clashes with Fijian tribes over the right to swim, fish, dive, sail, surf and picnic along Fiji's palm-fringed coastlines.
Fiji's economy depends on the millions of dollars tourists spend at the nation's plush resorts.
Tourist operators said some Fijian tribesmen already demand payment from surfers and divers using the crystal-clear waters surrounding the South Pacific nation's hundreds of islands.
One dive operator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press some Fijians claim ownership of waves suitable for surfing as they wash toward a barrier reef."
Read full article here
By ROBERT KEITH-REID
Associated Press Writer
SUVA, Fiji
"Fiji's government said Friday it plans to give tribes control of thousands of miles of coral lagoons, beaches and reefs, a move that alarmed the country's tourism industry.
Tourism officials said they fear the decision will lead to clashes with Fijian tribes over the right to swim, fish, dive, sail, surf and picnic along Fiji's palm-fringed coastlines.
Fiji's economy depends on the millions of dollars tourists spend at the nation's plush resorts.
Tourist operators said some Fijian tribesmen already demand payment from surfers and divers using the crystal-clear waters surrounding the South Pacific nation's hundreds of islands.
One dive operator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press some Fijians claim ownership of waves suitable for surfing as they wash toward a barrier reef."
Read full article here
