A new initiative for the management of forest parks in Fiji is being introduced through a Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP), empowering local landowning communities to take charge. Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Hon. Alitia Bainivalu announced the ongoing discussions aimed at establishing this partnership, which will initially focus on the management of the Colo-i-Suva and Nadarivatu Forest Parks.
Bainivalu emphasized that this approach aims to enhance the livelihoods of local communities by providing them with monetary returns from managing these parks. She stated, “This partnership will create an additional source of income that helps improve the lives of landowning communities.”
Currently, Fiji has two major forest parks: the Colo-i-Suva and the newly inaugurated Nadarivatu Forest Park. The latter is set to become a significant hub for ecotourism, offering activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping, which will further provide economic opportunities for the surrounding communities.
The PPCP model aligns with Fiji’s commitment to sustainable development and aims to foster community engagement in the management of natural resources. By prioritizing local control, the initiative is expected to promote environmentally friendly practices while also bolstering economic empowerment.
This collaborative approach not only seeks to enhance community livelihoods but also emphasizes the importance of preserving Fiji’s rich ecological heritage. As discussions progress, more comprehensive plans for the PPCP implementation will be forthcoming, paving the way for a sustainable and economically viable future for Fiji’s forest parks.
The movement towards community-led management of natural resources signifies a hopeful shift in how local ecosystems are valued and utilized, ensuring they serve the needs of current and future generations.
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