28 May 2014

Kiribati completes Fiji land purchase

6:20 pm on 28 May 2014

Kiribati has made the final payment on land in Fiji in its bid to enhance its economic and social resilience to the effects of climate change.

The President Anote Tong says the government has made the final payment of 8.6 million US dollars to purchase the Natoavatu Estate on Vanua Levu.

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Photo: RNZ

Don Wiseman has more:

"Mr Tong, speaking in a national radio address, said the 2210 hectare property marks a new milestone in the Government's development plans to address economic and food security issues resulting from climate change. He says he is glad the country has completed this deal with Fiji and hopes developed countries can engage with frontline countries like Kiribati, as a matter of taking simple actions rather than negotiating climate change issues where common ground is far from reach. The Kiribati government intends exploring options of commercial, industrial and agricultural development of the estate. This could involve fish canning, beef and/or poultry farming, fruit and vegetable cultivation, to name a few.'