GOVERNMENT has reiterated its support for the forestry sector with an allocation of $0.2 million to continue Fiji’s progress in its commitment and readiness to the REDD plus program.
The 2016/2017 National Budget Supplement revealed $2.3m had also been provided by the World Bank to complement the program.
Meanwhile, to encourage value addition, $0.2m has been allocated for the purchase of equipment for the Lakeba Pine Scheme.
An operating grant of $0.6m allocated to the Fiji Pine Trust is expected to support the organisation assist landowners through the establishment of nurseries, raising, nurturing and distribution of pine seedlings, supervision in plantation establishment and monitoring.
Other major programs in the 2016/2017 budget include $0.1m for program; $0.2m for research and development of wood and non-wood species; $0.5m for reforestation of degraded forests; $0.4m for the utilisation of wood; $0.1m for upgrading of the timber research division’s entomology laboratory in Colo-i-Suva; and $0.1m for the purchase of a stress grading machine for the timber utilisation division in Nasinu.
