Forestry Minister Call on All Fijians to Help Stop Illegal Logging
The Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Honourable
Kalaveti Ravu is pleading with all Fijians and stakeholders in the timber
industry to work together with the Ministry in combating illegal logging.
Hon. Ravu said the Ministry of Forestry had launched a “Say No to Illegal logging” Pledge in February 2022 at Labasa on Vanua Levu, following which there was a noticeable decrease in illegal logging.
However, he said that more recently it has been seen that the Pledge that was made by the forestry stakeholders may no longer be taken as seriously as it was in the beginning.
“Given the seriousness of this matter and the potential ramifications for our community, it is crucial to shed light on the prevalence of illegal logging activities,”
“The ramifications of such illegal activities extend beyond mere economic loss. Our resource owners, who are the custodians of these natural resources, are being deprived of their fair share of benefits,” Hon. Ravu said.
He added that this not only undermines the livelihoods of our resource owners but also threatens the sustainability of our environment and economy.
Hon. Ravu reiterated that any tree that is removed for commercial purpose needs to be licensed.
“We urge the public to be vigilant, it is not only the role of the Ministry but it is everyone’s role to ensure that our forests are sustainably managed,” Hon. Ravu said.
Meanwhile, late last month, an incident occurred whereby a five-ton truck loaded with ripped Vesi Slabs from illegal sources was seized in Vanua Levu.
The estimated value of the confiscated Vesi slabs is approximately $10,000.00. Upon investigation, it was revealed that these slabs were loaded from Naividamu in Seaqaqa.
With the assistance of the Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of Forestry officers on Vanua Levu were able to seize the vehicle and transport it to the Labasa Police Station.
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