A total of 170 temporary jobs have been created under the Ministry of Environment’s Jobs for Nature (J-NR) program.
The ministry had yesterday announced 17 recipients under this program.
The 17 recipients are from the Ba, Rewa, Tuva (Nadroga), and Labasa catchments who had submitted their proposals to the Ministry of Environment for biodiversity protection through reforestation, mangrove, and seagrass restoration works, riverbank and coastal protection, and rehabilitation of degraded land through sustainable farming practices.
Minister for Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy said the J-NR program adopted the concept of genuine partnerships and collaboration with local communities to support initiatives that promoted the conservation and protection of Fiji’s environment.
“It encourages environment stewardship and protection amongst Fiji’s citizen to actively engage in the protection, restoration, and rehabilitation of their natural environment while they earn some allowance from it that supports their livelihood,” Mr Reddy said.
“The objective of the J-NR is to better the state of the environment in our community through the protection, restoration, and rehabilitation of degraded land and foreshore while supporting positive growth, stability and thriving livelihood.”
Mr Reddy said it was anticipated that the program while producing great ecosystem restoration outcomes, would also deliver job creation opportunities in the country.
During the J-NR launch in June, the ministry had announced a total of 150 J-NR awards at $1000 to be given to each recipient.
He said this was the first of its kind in Fiji and in the Pacific with a specific focus on protection, restoration, and rehabilitation of the natural environment.
“The Ministry has received about 40 proposals and today (yesterday) are announcing the first 17 recipients to receive a $1000 each. We will reach out to the remaining applicants for clarification on their proposal before we will be able to give out the awards.”
Mr Reddy said the ministry would be monitoring and evaluating the program and they would work closely with communities to support all rehabilitation and conservation efforts for the benefit of all Fijians.
He reminded the recipients the award was given with full responsibility and trust that they would carry out their responsibilities diligently to restore and protect the environment within their communities.
One of the recipients, Sereima Toloi of Ba, said the program would create employment within community groups and would promote communal teamwork.
“While, people are being laid off from work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this program is a sigh of relief for many. The money provided under this program will be utilised to sustain the livelihood for the 17 communities across Fiji,” Ms Toloi said.
