FIJI Pine Limited is making strides to develop Navosa into a fully operational pine base as it works on expanding the new forest station. The Navosa Pine Station initiative was launched in January, through collaboration among community leaders, the Ministry of Forestry, police, and Fiji Pine Limited, with the goal of planting pine trees to reduce marijuana cultivation in the area.
Josaia Ratatagia, the officer in charge at Navosa station, reported that a significant pine restocking initiative is currently underway, supported by Nabou Forest officials. George Young, the officer in charge at Nabou station, mentioned that his team would assist the Navosa team in reaching their planting goals.
“We aim to meet our target of planting 88 hectares,” Mr. Young stated. Senior management teams from Nabou and Navosa have formulated a strategic plan for this extensive restocking project. This includes deploying three planting teams from Nasovotava, Nabou, and Vagadra to Navosa next week.
These teams will join two others already in Navosa to enhance the area’s reforestation efforts and manpower. “We have a two-week timeframe to meet our goals, so we need to optimize our schedule based on weather conditions,” Mr. Young added.
To facilitate the teams, they will also be provided with corrugated iron roofing materials and camping supplies. Prior to the reinforcements arriving, Mr. Ratatagia and his team have carried out road improvements to prepare for the pine restocking operations.