Emerging Rural Areas

In Fiji , all land and any islands that have not been subject to survey or subdivision, including former native reserves, are classified as Rural Areas. Under the Town Planning Act , all surveyed land is allocated to zones, in which development regulations apply, while unsurveyed land is designated as Rural Area'. Land in Rural Areas may be isolated and in a natural or semi-natural state, or it may, in more accessible areas, have been used by traditional owners for living and village activities or farming. Interim development provisions restrict development on this land until its development potential and appropriateness can be considered.

Although unsurveyed land is typically not connected to basic infrastructure like water and sanitation, Rural Areas are subject to significant demand for development. Their typically remote or isolated nature - both in island and inland locations - often means scenic, natural or environmental values that are unmatched in more serviced locations. Rural land is in larger parcels and less fragmented than that in urban areas, presenting opportunities for a greater range of development and larger projects. As well, as much land in Rural Areas is in settings that are previously undeveloped, there is particular interest in this land for lifestyle-residential and tourism-related activities.
Land in Rural Areas is a largely unknown quantity, and the most significant challenge is to ensure development is appropriate. It cannot be assumed that a land in a Rural Area can be developed simply because a site can be leased or purchased ?any proposal is considered in a site-specific context. On the one hand, Rural Area includes many sensitive environmental areas that should be protected; while on the other hand, it is a and bank' to accommodate people and diverse economic activities over time. As applications for development are made, environmental impact and other studies are required so the values and best use of each area can be considered.