Fiji’s Tree Planting Challenge: Can 30 Million Seedlings Survive?

The initiative to plant 30 million trees in Fiji over the next 15 years has seen a survival rate of only 45% for the 18 million trees planted thus far. This concerning statistic was revealed during a session with the Standing Committee on Natural Resources by Senior Economic Planning Officer Ruairi O’Donoghue, prompting the Ministry of Forestry to intensify its reforestation efforts.

O’Donoghue emphasized the challenges of reforesting degraded landscapes, particularly regarding the survival rates of indigenous tree species. In response to these findings, the Ministry has committed to enhancing the survival rates of planted trees by engaging in research focused on native species.

Furthermore, committee member Vijay Nath raised concerns about the Ministry’s monitoring strategies post-plantation, specifically the importance of assessing soil conditions to facilitate the successful growth of native trees. Forestry Permanent Secretary Sanjana Lal reassured that soil tests have been conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture over the past three years to ensure suitable planting conditions, facilitating improvements in plantation success and survival rates.

In light of the low survival rates, the Forestry Ministry is taking proactive measures, including planting new seedlings in areas with lower success rates and encouraging community involvement in reforestation initiatives. This grassroots approach aims to foster better plantation management, improve tree survival, and support the restoration of degraded landscapes.

These ongoing efforts align with Fiji’s broader environmental and climate change goals, offering hope for better conservation practices and improved biodiversity. Engaging local communities is crucial, as it ensures that their needs and perspectives are considered in reforestation efforts.

Ultimately, the commitment shown by the Forestry Ministry to address these challenges presents a positive outlook for Fiji’s environmental future, promoting sustainability and resilience against climate change.