Press Release Detail

SUVA, FIJI— This morning, the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Kalaveti Ravu, officially opened the Situation Analysis Workshop on Forest Landscape Restoration in Fiji at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. The workshop, titled "Turning the Tide on Deforestation: Building Partnerships to Combat the Impacts of Climate Change, Forest Fires, and Zoonotic Diseases," brought together representatives from various local, international and regional organizations, government agencies and non-government organisations.

In his opening address, Minister Ravu highlighted the critical role that forests play in Fiji's development, emphasizing that they cover 60% of the country's land area and support numerous rural livelihoods. He noted that protecting and enhancing these forests is essential not only for the current population but also for future generations.

"Fiji's forests are essential for our country's development," Ravu stated. "They support rural livelihoods and provide many important services. Our forests cover about 1.1 million hectares, including 90% natural forests and 10% plantation forests."

Minister Ravu outlined Fiji's ongoing conservation efforts, referencing the Fiji National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2025 report, which documents 23 protected terrestrial areas covering 50,000 hectares.

Additionally, he highlighted Fiji's National Development Plan goals to increase forest conservation and the significant investments made by the Ministry of Forestry, including around $31 million spent on forest land restoration from 2013 to 2022.

The workshop aims to develop a comprehensive National Forest Restoration Framework for Fiji. Participants will delve into sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, and forest financing over the next three days. The Minister urged the attendees to address the challenges highlighted by the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat, including governance issues and the difficulties in accessing international forest financing.

"Sustainable land management practices have reached rural communities through various projects such as Ecosystems Based Management, Ridge to Reef, Integrated Coastal Management, and the 30 Million Tree Planting Program," Ravu explained. "Despite these efforts, more resources, skills, and capacities are needed."

Minister Ravu also stressed the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection. He pointed out the significant contributions of agriculture and forestry to Fiji's economic growth and the necessity of innovative and collaborative approaches to engage key financial institutions and the private sector.

"Our goal is to develop a national forest restoration plan and a framework for attracting investments in forest landscape restoration, aligning with the UN Strategic Plan for Forests and the 2030 Agenda," said Ravu.

The workshop, attended by representatives from the United Nations Forum on Forests, the UNDP, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and various other stakeholders, aims to foster collaboration and develop strategies for improved resource mobilization and effective implementation.

In closing, Minister Ravu expressed his gratitude to the participants for their dedication and commitment, emphasizing the critical role of their collaboration in shaping a sustainable future for Fiji's forests.

"Let’s work together to turn the tide on deforestation and build resilient, sustainable landscapes for future generations," Ravu concluded.

The workshop will continue over the next three days, with experts sharing their knowledge and experiences to help formulate a robust national framework for forest restoration in Fiji.

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