The Ministry of Forestry in Fiji is making significant headway towards its ambitious goal of planting 30 million trees over a period of 15 years. Since the initiative commenced in 2019, a remarkable 19 million trees have already been planted. Minister Alitia Bainivalu expressed her optimism about the progress, indicating strong support from both the national government and local communities.
The ongoing tree-planting activities are not only about reaching numerical targets but also about fostering community involvement. The Ministry is committed to supporting local nurseries that grow trees, which can later be sold back to the Ministry for reforestation projects throughout the country. Bainivalu elaborated on the importance of this initiative, stating, “The more trees we plant, or assist communities to plant, the more we contribute to this target.”
Previously, challenges such as a survival rate of only 45 percent for newly planted trees were highlighted. This low survival rate stemmed from factors including degraded landscapes and difficulties in cultivating indigenous species. In response, the Ministry has implemented strategic changes, such as reducing the planting area to better monitor survival rates and conducting soil tests in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to optimize planting conditions.
The Ministry has also acknowledged the support received from external partners, which includes aviation companies contributing to global reforestation efforts. With the initiative set to continue until 2035, there is a hopeful outlook as more communities are encouraged to engage in these efforts, promoting both environmental sustainability and community welfare.
Fiji’s commitment to reforestation not only supports biodiversity and combats climate change but also strengthens local economies by involving communities directly in the growth and management of their ecosystems. The collective efforts of individual citizens and organizations will be crucial in achieving a resilient and sustainable future for the environment of Fiji.
Leave a comment