The Minister for Forestry, Osea Naiqamu has called on all Fijians to have a renewed respect for nature.
Naiqamu stressed that everyone needs regular reminders of a person’s connection with nature and the planet.
He says this act is fundamental and the health of the planet is essential to our own health, well-being and also to our future generations and trees and mangroves are an essential part of it.
The Minister further says that rising sea levels threaten every coastline and more powerful storms and floods threaten every continent.
He adds on shrinking islands, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees.
Naiqamu says our interaction with the natural world enables people to experience wonder, joy, celebration and hope in a way as we can in no other place.
He also stressed that as human beings we need to exercise stewardship, not as owners, but as one who is charged with overseeing and looking after something.
