Trees play an important role in our lives and in rural communities as people are dependent on it for subsistence and income generation.
This was highlighted by Minister for Forests, Osea Naiqamu while at the launch of the first ever Indigenous Trees Nursery in Fiji at the Vunimaqo Forestry Station in Galoa.
Naiqamu says that the construction of the nursery is part of the overall objectives for a ‘sustainable management and sustainable development of Fiji’s forestry resources’ by the year 2036 project.
He urged the government and non‑government organisations, local communities including the public to participate in reforestation and restoration of forests.
Naiqamu adds that the Ministry of Forests also looks to ensure that food security plants, ornamental, traditional scenting plants and indigenous timber species are readily available to the general public.
The purpose of the nursery is to cater to those who are interested and willing to purchase seedlings to plant around their homes, plantations or to forest degraded area.
Meanwhile, government allocated $250,000 for the revitalization and reforestation of local tree species.
