The Department of Environment has not approved any plans or projects to demolish reefs which includes the World Wave Project off the island of Qamea, Taveuni.
Minister for Environment, Doctor Mahendra Reddy says although the Department is aware of the proposed development, they are yet to receive any Environmental Impact Assessment Report regarding the project.
Doctor Reddy says no plans for the construction of the project will be allowed until a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment is conducted to ensure there is no degradation of the vital oceanic ecosystems of Taveuni.
He says Fiji has robust legislation that protects every development activity undertaken in the country which includes any form of development in and around the coral reefs in Fiji.
Doctor Reddy says the Department of Environment possesses various legislated instruments like the EIA process that will assess every development activity in Fiji including the World Wave Project.
He adds the Ministry also has specific policies like the Reef Protection Policy that is being actively implemented.
Dr Reddy says the proposed development will be put through a rigorous assessment process which includes the project meeting all Environmental, Social and Governance requirements.
He says this assessment process also includes extensive community consultations with all stakeholder groups.
