The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry in Fiji is prioritizing measures to enhance climate resilience, according to Minister Alitia Bainivalu. The ministry aims to boost accountability and the long-term sustainability of natural resources, particularly focusing on increasing protected forest areas. This initiative will expand forest reserves from 17 to 19, which accounts for 17 percent of the nation’s landmass dedicated to conservation efforts.
Bainivalu emphasized the ministry’s ongoing commitment to protecting forests, oceans, and marine ecosystems, reinforcing their significance in ensuring food security, biodiversity, and climate adaptation for future generations. In alignment with these efforts, the ministry plans to restore 50,000 acres of mangrove ecosystems, which will play a crucial role in safeguarding coastal communities and enhancing biodiversity.
These initiatives echo the ministry’s broader commitment to sustainable practices as highlighted in their recent efforts to improve monitoring and management of fisheries resources, ensuring the availability of fish stocks for the Fijian population. This multifaceted approach not only aims to protect natural resources but also to build a more resilient ecosystem in light of climate change challenges.
Additionally, the ministry’s focus on enhancing compliance and surveillance in coastal fisheries aligns well with its endeavors to support sustainable resource management, which is imperative for the well-being of both the environment and the local communities that depend on these resources.
This forward-looking approach reflects a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of natural habitats, combining effective resource management and biodiversity preservation efforts for a sustainable future.
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