A BAMBOO grove believed to have been growing in the heart of Namosi for between 50 to 100 years has entered a rare flowering phase, coinciding with the official opening of the Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park.
Local environmental activist and businessman Sukulu Soko said the bamboo clump, now protected within the newly launched community eco-park, was part of an ancient forest system whose origins predated recorded history.
“Based on what we understand about this species, this type of bamboo is believed to flower only once every 50-100 years,” Mr Soko said.
He said the flowering offered a rare glimpse into the long ecological timeline of the area, reinforcing the importance of protecting forests that had sustained communities for thousands of years.
“Bamboo is one of the best natural purifiers, it regenerates degraded soil, stabilises riverbanks and plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.”
While officiating at the park’s opening, the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu highlighted the importance of managing forests under a park framework to ensure rare and endemic species were protected.
“By managing this forest as a community park, the mataqali is ensuring the survival of local endemic flora and fauna,” Ms Bainivalu said.
She said the Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park demonstrated how traditional stewardship, conservation and sustainable livelihoods could coexist, while supporting Fiji’s national and international commitments to biodiversity protection.
The rare flowering is expected to attract scientific interest and eco-tourism, adding another layer of significance to the newly opened park and its role in safeguarding Namosi’s natural heritage.
