REVAMPED WEBSITE, TREEPLANTING DASHBOARDS
‘The online system will enable the ministry to issue licences within 24 to 48 hours, provided all relevant information is provided.’
Online Import/Export Application
The Ministry of Forestry has revamped its website www.forestry. gov.fj with new and innovative features that will ensure the quick and efficient delivery of services to the people of Fiji.
Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu recently announced the new look website saying a key feature of the website is the inclusion of an online web form for export and import applications.
“The online system will enable the ministry to issue licences within 24 to 48 hours, provided all relevant information is provided. Making the application forms available online is part of the Government’s response to the ease of doing business. It is in line with calls made by forestry sector stakeholders in recent consultations,” Mr Naiqamu said. He added this was part of Government’s efforts to help reignite the economy in the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In saying this, the ministry expects a boost in supply of pine timber, both for the domestic and export market from the maritime pine scheme in Kadavu, Gau and the Lau Group of Islands. As up to 90 per cent of trees in the 11 pine schemes were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Harold, immediate focus now is using this timber to rebuild houses that were destroyed but excess supply will be sold commercially.
“I am very pleased to note that our men and women on the ground are helping the communities to harvest the trees and re-purposing them for houses.”
Mr Naiqamu said the effort is progressing well through ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, the Ministry of Housing and Community Development and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, among other agencies.
“The plan is to rebuild homes before trading any surplus timber. Having a steady supply of good quality treated pine timber will no doubt be welcomed by the local construction industry,” he said. “Government is also encouraging the export of any surplus timber to help generate much needed revenue.”
Tree-Planting Dashboard
In addition to the online import and export applications, the Minister for Forestry also launched two tree-planting dashboards.
He said, the first is the public treeplanting dashboard which will enable any member of the public who plant trees to log in and provide details such as their names and contact, the types and number of trees planted, the location and photographs.
“The ministry will then validate the information through physically checking on the ground before the details are transferred into the second dashboard.
“The second dashboard will contain only the validated information. This dashboard has so far recorded more than 1.2 million trees and mangroves.
“The rest of the trees and mangroves will be added into the dashboard as soon as the information have been physically validated.” Mr. Naiqamu said the dashboards would keep the public informed on the progress of Fiji’s tree-planting initiative. It would also enable the public to see their contributions towards the ultimate goal of planting 30 million trees in 15 years.
He said that Fiji’s tree-planting initiative, which the President launched in January last year, is gaining much traction.
“With the help of the communities, we have so far planted more than 1.9 million trees and mangroves, covering close to 2000 hectares,” he said.
“Specifically, we hope to encourage more Fijians to actively participate in Fiji’s tree-planting revolution. This has now become one of our core functions aimed at protecting the environment, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing climate change.”
Mr Naiqamu said he had every confidence that this tree-planting target could be achieved through the commitment of Ministry staff, the willingness of the Fijian public, partnership with the private sector, the support of development partners, and through investment in technology.