Minister Ravu stresses need to better conserve, sustainably manage forest resources for future generation
SPEECH
Minister for Forestry Hon. Kalaveti Ravu spoke at the Harvesting Supervisor Training (Module 1) training certificate handover at Macuata House, Labasa, on February 11, 2022.
Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, industry representatives, Ministry staff and Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is with great honour and privilege for me to join you this afternoon and I thank the organisers of this training for the invitation to officiate in the closing of this week-long training on Forest Harvesting Supervisor (Module 1).
I thank all the trainees who have participated, and I wish to congratulate all of you for your dedication and active engagement that have ensured the successful conclusion of your one week training programme.
As you are about to receive your certificate this afternoon, I also wish to take this opportunity to remind us all about the vital contributions forests make to our everyday living and to highlight the urgent need for us to better conserve and sustainably manage this important resource for our current and future generation.
This is especially important given the threats of climate change and other external factors we currently face. Despite the vital roles that forests and trees play in the well-being of our communities, forest degradation and conversion of forestlands into other land uses are continuing.
Increasing population and the urgent need to satisfy short-term economic development needs has meant more pressures on forests to make way for large-scale agriculture projects, mining, housing and other infrastructural developments. In addition, harvesting timber over and above the forests’ sustainable level of harvest is resulting in their degradation and reduction of biological diversity such that the quality and range of ecosystem services and products provided are negatively impacted.
Forest and rural fires, as a result of careless burning, are becoming a significant threat to our forests and the environment given the long dry spells being experienced with the changing climatic conditions.
While developments are necessary in responding to our people’s needs and aspirations, effective planning and implementation are vital to maintain the proper balancing of economic, social and environmental considerations and to ensure objectivity in making decisions relating to type, size and location of these development projects. There is also the need to put in place adequate measures 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 environmental requirements.
As a Forest Harvesting Supervisor, you will play a very critical role in ensuring best logging practices are observed at all times in line with the Fiji Forest Harvesting Code of Practice and Forest Legislations.
We need to be working in partnership and in an integrated manner which is the most effective strategy towards making real and positive changes on the ground for our people. This is especially critical when we consider the inadequate capacities of most of our government institutions to tackle issues by themselves. Partnership and enhancing capacities through training, education and awareness of all stakeholders will be very important in this regard.
Training and education has the central role in the sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of our forests. The industry needs to invest more in forestry training and education for their people. By investing in forestry training and education at all levels, we will ensure that there are scientists, policy makers, foresters and local communities working together to address the issue of deforestation and to restore our degraded landscapes.
In view of the above, I must congratulate you all once again for taking the first step to train and educate yourselves. Please share the knowledge gained with your co-workers and grab the opportunity for further training and education in forestry.
With these words, I thank you once again for the invitation to be part of this event and I wish all the trainees an exciting and successful career in the forest sector. I therefore declare this training close.
Vinaka.