PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has sent out a warning to current and future property developers to work within the laws that ensure the protection of Fiji’s environment.
While speaking to tourism operators on Denarau over the weekend, he said the protection and preservation of Fiji’s natural environment was important for the success of every Fijian and the tourism industry.
“I have been alarmed by recent cases of apparent breaches of environmental protections here in Fiji and I want to repeat that such breaches should be met with the full force of the law,” he said.
No exceptions. “If you break our laws, you will be punished. “We’ll soon be rolling out an environmental hotline where Fijians can report abuses of our environment wherever they see it happening.
“So, to any developer, from anywhere in the world, let me say this: if you intend to destroy or forever degrade our environment, you are not welcome in Fiji. “I assure you our hospitality has hard and fast limits, and we don’t take kindly to anyone who violates our laws.
“No matter the size of your development, no matter how grand the promises you carry with you may be.”
Mr Bainimarama also acknowledged hoteliers who were committed to safeguarding the environment.
“I want to recognise all of the tourism operators and we have many who are fully committed to the preservation of our mangroves, forests, reefs, shorelines and all of the flora and fauna that collectively make up our ecosystem.
“I know many of you personally. I know the lengths you will go to ensure development does not come at the expense of the health of our natural environment.
“We know, as the vast majority of you know, that a healthy natural environment is the very bedrock on which this industry succeeds.
“Our environment is not some endless source of beauty and bounty. It is a limited resource and it must be protected.”
