Careless Burning Of Forest A Growing Concern

Forest and rural fires as a result of careless burning are becoming a threat to communities, says the Minister for Forestry Kalaveti Ravu.

Mr Ravu made the comment when he closed the ministry’s Module Three Training on Forest Harvesting Supervisor in Labasa yesterday.

He said with the changing climatic conditions and the long dry spells experienced, it was starting to cause a negative impact on forest life.

To meet the sustainability level of forest and ensure a bal­ance, Mr Ravu, said his ministry continued to emphasise the need to put in place adequate measures.

“They are to ensure that any forest harvesting is within the forest’s sustainable cut level and in full compliance with existing codes of practice and other environment require­ments,” he said.

“The increasing population and urgent need to satisfy short-term economic development has put pressure on de­forestation on a large scale.”

These demands range from large-scale agriculture projects, mining, housing and other infrastructural developments.

“Harvesting timber above and over the forest’s sustainable level of harvest is resulting in their degradation and reduc­tion of biological diversity,” he said.

Participants of the forest supervisor training were encour­aged to value forest and understand the many benefits they contributes to our environment.

Mr Ravu said there was an urgent need for Fijians to en­gage in activities to better conserve and sustainably manage this pivotal resource not just for now, but, for future genera­tions.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj