30 MILLION TREES IN 15 YEARS
GOVERNMENT SETS NEW TARGET IN TREE PLANTING INITIATIVE Minister Naiqamu tours Ovalau and urges communities, villagers to join the Government’s initiative and plant as many trees as possible to help combat climate change.
Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu is touring Ovalau this week, advocating on the Government’s 30MillionTrees15Years tree planting initiative.
While addressing villagers of Rukuruku he requested them to take better care of trees, forests and nature for the benefit of the future generations.
He also asked them to stop burning forests and to plant more trees. He concluded his visit by planting 70 trees, consisting of sandalwood, fruit trees and teak in the village.
“I am sure you might have seen reports in the media about climate change. A good example of it is the wreath of Tropical Cyclone Winston that we felt here in Fiji, flooding in towns and cities in Nadi, Ba, Sigatoka and other parts of Fiji,” Mr Naiqamu said.
“To reduce the impacts of climate change scientists have suggested planting all types of trees, starting from the sea shore right up to the highlands.”
Within 10 months since the Government’s launch of the initiative in January last year, Mr Naiqamu said one million trees have been planted.
The new target now is to plant 30 million trees in 15 years.
Any public member who is interested in the programme can contact the ministry’s offices in the various divisions for assistance. You can also visit the ministry’s website www.forestry. gov.fj for more information.