PLANTING more trees will enable Fiji to continue her leadership role in fighting against climate change and protecting her environment and rich biodiversity, says Minister for Forests Osea Naiqamu.
He said the Government intended to work with national and international development partners, civil society, the private sector, and every Fijian to develop greener towns and cities, and to maintain and protect forests and pristine natural environment.
He said the millions of trees that would be planted would reduce soil erosion and siltation and offset some of our carbon output.
“We intend to, and have made a head-start on, planting not less than half-a-million mangroves to protect our coastal areas, including the biodiversity there,” Mr Naiqamu said in his address at the launch of the four million trees in four years initiative in partnership with the Fiji Development Bank.
He said the tree planting initiative was also part of our commitment to achieving the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
“We also want our forestry sector to contribute to people’s livelihoods, and ultimately to contribute towards Fiji’s economic growth.
“That trees that we plant today will help build a robust and thriving forestry sector.
“But this means that we have to strike a balance between generating economic activity on the one hand, and expanding our resources and protecting our natural environment and ecosystems on the other hand.
“The balance that we strike will ensure that our forests are able to provide for our Nation now and well into the future. This is a responsibility that we cannot shy away from.
“As a nation, we all have a collective responsibility to explore avenues to address climate change because climate change will affect all of us. It has no boundaries.
“In fact, it has started to affect some of our coastal villages. We will need to spend millions of dollars to relocate these villages.”
Mr Naiqamu added while Fiji’s carbon footprint was negligible compared to highly-industrialised countries, the fact remained people must consider ways to mitigate climate change, and forests played a critical role in this regard.
“In essence, I would like to appeal to and encourage Fiji’s forest sector to work closely with Government through the Ministry of Forestry in addressing the key issues that affect our society – from sustainable forest management to economic growth and climate change.
“I also appeal to all Fijians to contribute to our national tree-planting initiative. In fact, we can use any occasion to plant a tree: from a new birth, to celebrating one’s birthday, graduation or any achievement. In doing so, we will be laying a foundation of success for our future generations.”
