Highlighting the critical link between academic research and environmental sustainability, Fiji National University head of forestry Seleima Rakaucoka called for urgent measures to safeguard the region’s fragile ecosystems.
Ms Rakaucoka emphasised the vital role forests play in supporting both the environment and the economy.
“Forests support biodiversity, regulate climate, protect watersheds and soil, and provide resources such as timber, food, and medicine,” she said.
“They also sustain livelihoods and cultural practices, contributing significantly to both environmental stability and economic development in Fiji.”
She warned that forests were facing increasing threats from deforestation, unsustainable logging practices, and invasive species such as the African Tulip.
“They absorb carbon, reduce soil erosion, protect water sources, and shield communities from floods and storms.”
In response, FNU has been actively working to address these challenges by training future environmental stewards in areas such as ecology and GIS mapping.
Ms Rakaucoka also highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.
“Traditional practices offer valuable long-term insights into sustainable land use and ecosystem management. When combined with scientific approaches, they create more effective conservation strategies.”
She urged young people to take an active role in conservation efforts, particularly in reforestation initiatives, stressing that protecting forests is a shared responsibility.
“Graduates will serve as researchers, policymakers, educators, and environmental managers, driving innovative solutions for sustainable forest management.”
As environmental observances continued in 2026, FNU maintained that safeguarding forest resources remained essential to building a resilient and sustainable future for the Pacific.
