Book launched to mark cultural traditions and values

Suva, Fiji – President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere has launched the iTaukei Trust Fund’s publication, Healing Plants of Fiji.

Centered on traditional knowledge covering Fiji’s flora and fauna, the book follows years of collating information from over 75 healers in widely located villages around the country and is authored by one of the Pacific’s distinguished botanist, Suliana Siwatibau.

Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere said the launch of the publication in addition to an online learning management system and website successfully fulfils the iTaukei Trust Fund’s mandate in developing and facilitating “initiatives that will improve the quality of life and enhance cultural traditions and values of iTaukei and Rotumans through culture, heritage and language programmes.”

Suliana Siwatibau works across multiple fields including agricultural research and has made immense contributions to the Pacific region over many decades.