The Ministry of Environment plans to set up 50 communi­ty-based biodiversity parks in an effort to preserve biodiversi­ty and protect endangered species and their habitats.

This was confirmed by the Min­ister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy while launching the Abaca Biodi­versity Park in Lautoka on Monday.

“One of the proactive approaches taken by our ministry is to protect Fiji’s biodiversity through its com­mitment to establish 50 communi­ty-based biodiversity parks in Fiji within the next 12 months,” he said.

“It will provide for and enrich your food security, and enhance the provision of clean air and water, contributing to your livelihoods as a value add to your eco-tourism venture.”

He said the parks would also in­clude recreational services such as a sporting ground that would cater for the community.

“The launch of the Abaca Bio­diversity Park today (Monday) is part of our ministry’s proactive approach to initiate partnership with local communities in Fiji as showcased today in Abaca to help conserve, protect and build resil­ience for yours and the biological resources of several other commu­nities in Fiji,” he said.

He said the biodiversity park could feed into national decision-making and mainstreaming issues across all sectors of our national economy and policy-making framework.

Mr Reddy urged community mem­bers to treat every biodiversity park established in villages and communities as an important mile­stone achieved in the fight against biodiversity loss.

“We are confident that you as the custodian of your natural resourc­es will honour this partnership and commitment made with our minis­try and continue to protect and sus­tain the Abaca Biodiversity Park from this day on to generations to come,” he said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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