Nesbitt Hazelman said the federation had about 500 members and every member is supposed to plant trees in their free time.

The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation officially launched the Global Employers Climate Action Forum on Friday.

The programme was followed by a tree planting exercise in a bid to help offset the carbon footprint.

There were 15 participants who took part in the event.

Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) chief executive officer Nesbitt Hazelman said the federation had about 500 members and every member was supposed to plant trees in their free time.

“Planting trees is to reduce carbon emission from all our delegates flying from overseas, so when they are flying by air, airlines release carbon into atmosphere,” he said.

“After estimating the amount of carbon that will be emitted, we plant trees to neutralise the carbon emission.

“We all employees join hands in ensuring that we support the Fijian government ensuring in sustaining the yards.”

President of Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) Sandeep Chauhan, said that the launch of Global Employers Forum on Climate Action was significant for the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation.

“Firstly, FCEF officially announces our hosting of the Global Employers Climate Action Forum (GECAF) – Fiji Dialogue which is scheduled for July 25 at the Holiday Inn Suva,” he said.

“Secondly, FCEF initiates a Tree Planting Programme in collaboration with COP23 Secretariat. This Tree Planting exercise is a bid to help offset the carbon footprints of participants travelling from our neighbouring Pacific Islands.”

Mr Chauhan said Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) was humbled to be the first in the Pacific to hold the presidency. It thanked Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who had been leading from the front and rallying Fiji and the world about initiatives that could make to mark a difference globally.

FCEF hosts the one-day Global Employers Climate Action Forum tomorrow.

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