Village Gives 400 Acres for Tree Planting Programme
Planting more trees is the best way to mitigate climate change.
The Minister of Forests, Osea Naiqamu made the statement and encouraged the villagers of Yanuca Island in Cuvu to support Government’s initiative by providing land for tree planting.
“The millions of trees we will plant will reduce soil erosion and siltation and offset some of our carbon input,” Mr Naiqamu said.
“Experts have said that the only way to mitigate climate change is to plant more trees so we need your support and co-operation in what we need to achieve in years to come.”
He highlighted this during the Plant 4 Million Trees in Four Years initiative consultation’ at Yanuca on Friday. “Everything has been provided by the Government and the only thing that you need to do is to provide land for planting trees. Every variety that you need, the Ministry of Forests will provide samplings for you,” he said.
“Now that we have experienced the effects of climate change on our land Government has strongly implemented ways to combat these issues.”
The ministry, he said, was optimistic of achieving its goal of planting ‘Four Million Trees in Four Years’ which means one million trees to be planted in one year in order to achieve their target.
“The initiative of planting more trees will enable Fiji to continue our leadership role in fighting against climate change and protecting our environment and rich biodiversity,” Mr Naiqamu said. Mr Naiqamu commended Sadro Village, in the district of Deuba, for giving 400
acres of land for the tree-planting programme.
The ministry had estimated that more than 40,000 trees could be planted there. The programme will start in two weeks time.