$433k nursery
Project to help mitigate climate change factors, says PM
THE Korean government’s contribution of $433,000 towards establishing the Vetiver Grass Nursery will help mitigate climate change factors, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
In launching the nursery project in Labasa this week, Mr Bainimarama said the project was aimed at strengthening eroding shorelines of riverside communities.
“Even with the serious health and economic challenges of COVID-19, Fiji cannot afford for climate action to fall on our national agenda particularly when it comes to adapting our economy,” he said.
“This nursery will consistently grow high-quality vetiver grass planting slips, creating a sustainable cycle of resilience–building that will steadily help adapt the North to climate impacts.
“No nation, including Fiji can risk returning to overfishing, to unprotected oceans and to the pollution of our natural environment, nor can we allow climate action to fall casualty to COVID-19.”
Instead, he said Fiji must keep the course and lead with big ideas on the international stage and empower local communities to carry that vision forward at the grassroots level.
“We must protect the beauty and bounty that Fijians in the North have known for generations and we must show the world how sustainable and resilient progress can chart the way forward to brighter days.”