The Minister for Forests, Osea Naiqamu, commemorated the launching of the first Indigenous Trees Nursery in Fiji at the Vunimaqo Forestry Station in Galoa on Monday.

Mr Naiqamu said the construction of the nursery was part of the overall objectives for a ‘sustainable management and sustainable development of Fiji’s forestry resources’ by the year 2036 project.

The purpose of the nursery is to cater for those who are interested and willing to buy seedlings to plant around their homes, plantations or to forest degraded area.

“My ministry will also ensure that food security plants, ornamental, traditional scenting plants and indigenous timber species are readily available to the general public and you expect can more in the financial year,” Mr Naiqamu said.

He stressed on the importance that trees play in rural communities because they are dependent on it for subsistence and income generation.

He urged the Government and non-government organisations, local communities including the public to participate in the reforestation and restoration of forests.

“The forest product trade at the market is gradually expanding, but the availability of indigenous forest resources are declining,” Minister Naiqamu said.

“I believe that we all want to receive fresh air, clean water, fertile soil and maintain our biological diversity.”

The Government has allocated an additional $250,000 for the revitalisation and reforestation of local species.

Source: DEPTFO News

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