TOURISM Fiji’s sustainability manager Sunishma Singh has hailed the Vesi Reforestation Initiative and the planting of a food forest initiative held at Namamanuca Primary School on Yanuya Island last month, saying they are powerful examples of what can be achieved when people work together.
“The Vesi Reforestation Initiative led by Jacks of Fiji in partnership with Tokoriki Island Resort, the Forestry Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, the Mamanuca Environment Society and Tourism Fiji addresses the critical need to restore vesi wood, an essential resource for crafting the iconic tanoa, central to our kava ceremonies,” Ms Singh said.
She said the effort not only preserved tradition but also ensured that future generations inherited a thriving environment.
“Equally important is today’s food forest event, where the next generation — our children — are planting the seeds of sustainability.
“These fruit and teak seedlings will not only nourish their communities but also lay the foundation for agri-tourism and forestry tourism.”
Ms Singh said planting these trees was symbolic of a greener, more sustainable future, “where our traditions and environment thrive together”.
“Let this be a reminder of the power of community and partnership to create lasting change.”
At the inaugural food forest planting event, children participated in planting food bearing seedlings around the school and timber seedlings around the island’s perimeter to secure future food and income for the village.
The event was attended by the Taukei Yanuya Akuila Lati, Marica Vakacola from the Mamanuca Environment Society and Ms Singh from Tourism Fiji, who all planted a tree each to celebrate the project. Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Education officials were also present and contributed to the project.
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project was administered by Robert Ring, general manager of Tokoriki Island Resort.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print version of the Fiji Times dated December 19, 2024.
