Yavusa Navakavu Development Trust secures over $93,000 grant from Drua Innovation Small Grant Scheme

In an effort to foster sustainable development within their community, the Yavusa Navakavu Development Trust in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) successfully secured a grant of $93,800 from the Drua Innovation Small Grant Scheme.

The Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs in partnership with the i-Taukei Trust Fund Board and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to empower local initiatives that promote economic growth and community resilience.

Yavusa Navakavu Development Trust Chairman Seveci Naisilisili expressed the Trust’s gratitude for the ongoing support from Global Green Growth Institute and says this is not the first collaboration between the Trust and GGGI as in 2022, GGGI assisted in securing US$110,000 from the Blue Accelerator Grants Scheme.

Naisilisili says the GGGI’s expertise continues to provide the Trust with the necessary boost to achieve its sustainable development goals in the community.

In a statement from GGGI, they say the recent funding will be pivotal in completing key initiatives within the district, particularly in training locals on safety protocols and hospitality practices for tourists.

They say this training is crucial as the Yavusa Navakavu Trust aspires to enhance the overall visitor experience while ensuring the safety and preparedness of local service providers.

Meanwhile, in an innovative collaboration between a landowning unit and the Fijian Government, Yavusa Navakavu is poised to present a cabinet paper that could establish their development model as a pilot project.

The Trust says they envision a variety of nature-based recreational and adventure activities within the Navakavu Blue Economic Zone, showcasing the region’s diverse natural beauty and attracting eco-conscious travellers.