STRATEGIES have been put in place to control deforestation on Rabi Island.
Headed by the Rabi Island Council and the Rabi Island’s Farmers Association, villagers would now abide by a new rule of planting a seedling for every tree they cut down.
The association’s president, Benieri Nakarua, said they introduced the rule to control deforestation on the island.
The decision was made after the ministries of forestry and agriculture’s workshop on Sustainable Forest and Land Management on the island last week.
Mr Nakarua said the workshop was informative and educational.
“We learnt a lot especially in sustaining our forest and land and this is something we never understood in the past,” he said.
“In the past years, our fathers and grandfathers used to cut trees anyhow to make way for farming activities and it’s because they didn’t understand the importance of preserving our forests.
“So the impact of their actions we are facing today like intermittent water supplies, dry land and our creeks and rivers are drying up fast.”
Mr Nakarua said the workshop was an eye-opener for many.
“Now we know the importance of our forest and how it plays a vital role with our water system.
“So that is why we have introduced a rule in which farmers will have to replant trees if they cut some down for planting.
“The farmers have been informed that if they cut down one tree, they need to plant one tree.”
If they fail to abide, Mr Nakarua said farmers would be taken to task.
“We have our village system and if villagers don’t follow the rule, then they will have to answer to our local magistrates court system.
“Their case will also be referred to the island council and they will be penalised and this depends on the council.”
Council administrator Karia Christopher said they needed to pursue such rule to save their forest.
“Our rivers have dried up and creeks have gone smaller so we will save our forest now for our future generation,” he said.
We need to take this stand to ensure that all villagers abide by the rule.
“The association will monitor this for us and they have clusters in various villages and settlements that will report to them.”
