The Fiji National University is calling for urgent action to protect forests, warning that Fiji’s environment, economy, and communities depend on decisions made today.
While marking the International Day of Forests 2026, Head of Department for Forestry, Seleima Rakaucoka says forests are more than natural landscapes, describing them as the backbone of life in Fiji and across the Pacific.
She says forests play a critical role in regulating the climate, protecting water sources, supporting livelihoods, and preserving cultural traditions.
Rakaucoka adds that in island nations like Fiji, forests act as natural shields against climate change by absorbing carbon emissions, reducing soil erosion, and protecting communities from floods and extreme weather.
However, she warns that forests are under increasing threat from deforestation, unsustainable logging, land conversion, invasive species, and climate change.
She says without immediate action, these pressures could have long-term impacts on both people and the environment.
The University says it is working to address these challenges through research, education, and community engagement, while training future environmental leaders in areas such as ecology, climate science, conservation planning, GIS mapping and resource management.
Rakaucoka also highlighted the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern science to improve conservation efforts.
She adds that students are already involved in reforestation, biodiversity research, watershed protection, and community-based conservation programmes.
Rakaucoka is also urging young people to take part in tree-planting and other environmental initiatives, stressing that protecting forests is a shared responsibility.
She says safeguarding forests is essential to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for future generations.
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