Forests play a vital role in preventing global warming and building sustainable societies.
So the need to protect and develop them can never be stressed enough.
We have a long-shared history with forests and the riches they provide, but their capacity to give is not endless and their future is under increasing threat.
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Cutting down these forests causes two problems. It removes that carbon sink. And, since trees are mostly cleared by burning, it sends vast amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Forests have long been threatened by a variety of destructive agents. Today, the frequency, intensity and timing of fire events, hurricanes, droughts, ice storms and insect outbreaks are shifting as a result of human activities and global climate change, making forest ecosystems even more prone to damage.
The protection of our forests needs all our cooperation. It now seems to be a norm in Fiji that when we harvest trees, we never replant them.
To preserve our forests, we must replant all trees harvested for specific purposes.
As the Minister responsible for our forests, Osea Naiqamu, had made this plea in Suweni village in Cakaudrove - “I am here pleading with you, asking for your assistance to preserve our forests. I am sure you are aware of climate change and the negative effects that it has on our environment. However with the preservation of our forests, we can help fight against this.”
Government’s mission is to ensure that more trees are planted for the benefit of the environment and our future generations.
To those living in remote rural and maritime areas you are to be mindful of your forests as if you harvest, the future generation will feel the repercussions of your actions.
Fiji Pine Trust manager extension services Pita Rokobiau accompanied Mr Naqamu and his reminder to the villagers was: “If you do not preserve your forests or if you do not manage it wisely, then the river that you depend on beside your village might not be there in the near future.”
Fewer forests will mean larger amounts of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere - and increased speed and severity of global warming.
The cutting of forests that does occur should be balanced by planting young trees to replace the older trees which were felled.
A scientist said: “Forests play an important role in the purification of the atmospheric air. During the day, trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and give out oxygen. As such, they help in the purification of the air that we breathe.”
He adds: “Forests are crucial for the health and well-being of people, wildlife, and our planet. They’re home to roughly two-thirds of all land-dwelling plant and animal species, critical lifelines for communities big and small, and one of the last lines of defense against catastrophic climate change.”
Let us protect our forests.
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