Sunishma Singh, the sustainability manager for Tourism Fiji, praised the recent Vesi Reforestation Initiative and the food forest planting event at Namamanuca Primary School on Yanuya Island. She highlighted these efforts as remarkable examples of community collaboration.
The Vesi Reforestation Initiative, organized by Jacks of Fiji in partnership with Tokoriki Island Resort, along with various government bodies and the Mamanuca Environment Society, aims to address the urgent need for reestablishing vesi wood, a vital material for creating the traditional tanoa, integral to kava ceremonies. Ms. Singh emphasized that these initiatives not only preserve cultural practices but also contribute to a sustainable environment for future generations.
Additionally, she noted the significance of the food forest event, where children planted fruit and teak seedlings. This initiative is designed to support their communities and pave the way for agri-tourism and forestry tourism. Ms. Singh described the act of planting trees as a symbol of a more sustainable future where cultural traditions and nature can flourish in harmony.
The inaugural food forest planting involved children who actively participated by planting seedlings around the school and alongside the island’s perimeter to secure future nourishment and income for the village. Key figures, including Taukei Yanuya Akuila Lati, Marica Vakacola from the Mamanuca Environment Society, and representatives from the Agriculture and Education Ministries, joined the event, each planting a tree to commemorate the occasion. The project was administered by Robert Ring, the general manager of Tokoriki Island Resort.
This initiative highlights the importance of environmental sustainability and community spirit, showing that collective efforts can lead to significant and positive environmental change. By involving the youth in such projects, there’s hope for a brighter, greener future that respects and preserves cultural traditions.
Summary: The Vesi Reforestation Initiative in Fiji, celebrated by Tourism Fiji’s sustainability manager Sunishma Singh, focuses on restoring vital vesi wood and promoting sustainability through a food forest event. Children participated in planting seedlings to ensure future food supply and promote eco-tourism, demonstrating a community-driven commitment to environmental preservation and cultural heritage.
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