A bamboo grove believed to have thrived in the heart of Namosi for 50 to 100 years has entered a rare flowering phase, coinciding beautifully with the official launch of the Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park. This remarkable event is not just a botanical curiosity but signifies the ecological importance of the area, which local environmental activist and businessman Sukulu Soko asserts is part of an ancient forest system predating recorded history.
Mr. Soko explained that this specific type of bamboo only flowers every 50 to 100 years, making its current blossoming a significant spectacle that showcases the long ecological timeline of the region. He emphasized the importance of protecting these forests, which have sustained local communities for millennia. “Bamboo is one of the best natural purifiers; it regenerates degraded soil, stabilizes riverbanks, and plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” he noted.
At the park’s inauguration, the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, emphasized the necessity of managing forests within a park framework to ensure the protection of rare and endemic species. She remarked, “By managing this forest as a community park, the mataqali is ensuring the survival of local endemic flora and fauna.” The establishment of the Dakuinaroba Bamboo Park exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of traditional stewardship, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods, while aligning with Fiji’s national and international commitments to biodiversity preservation.
The rare flowering event is anticipated to draw scientific interest and boost eco-tourism, further enhancing the significance of the newly opened park and its vital role in safeguarding the natural heritage of Namosi. This development not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also reinforces the critical need for ongoing environmental stewardship in the region.
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