A NEW program is set to support thousands of rural households in Vanua Levu, with the Government promising stronger farming systems, healthier fishing grounds, ecosystem restoration and new economic opportunities.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna told Parliament on Wednesday last week that the Blue Economy and Green Community Development Programme (BE-GREEN) was officially launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on July 24 in Koronatoga Village, Cakaudrove.
“This landmark initiative reflects the Coalition Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s natural resources while creating sustainable economic opportunities for our rural communities,” Mr Tunabuna said.
The program, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Global Environment Facility, will cover six Cakaudrove districts – Eastern Wailevu, Savusavu, Navatu, Koroalau, Vaturova and Naweni.
About 3050 subsistence and semi-commercial farming, fishing and handicraft-producing households are expected to benefit.
Mr Tunabuna said BE-GREEN would focus on boosting rural incomes, restoring ecosystems and strengthening communities against climate change and environmental degradation.
“The program has been designed to strengthen the productive capacity of Vanua Levu agriculture and marine sector through sustainable resource management, biodiversity enhancing practices, and climate smart approaches development.”
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu backed the initiative but called for stronger implementation, monitoring and coordination.
He said women and youth participation were critical to tackling rural-urban migration.
“This is how we can create employment in the rural areas, and most importantly, empower them economically as well,” Mr Seruiratu said.
He also urged greater focus on agroforestry, reforestation, organic fertilisers and renewable energy.
