Minister Ravu Emphasizes Economic Growth and Reforestation in Cakaudrove
The Minister for
Fisheries and Forestry, Honourable Kalaveti Ravu said there is a huge potential
for economic development in the Cakaudrove Province that needs to be tapped
into.
Hon. Ravu made this
statement while speaking at the Cakaudrove Provincial Council Meeting that was
held in Somosomo Village, Taveuni last week.
“The Ministry’s
main focus for the province of Cakaudrove is to implement the Look North Policy
which includes assisting in developing or further enhancing ecotourism projects,
the protection of forest reserves and continuation of reforestation programme,”
Hon. Ravu said.
He added that
discussions are currently underway for the possibility of establishing a Fiji
Pine Station in Cakaudrove to accommodate current Pine schemes and those interested
for lease.
The honourable minister
said with the Ministry’s Look North Policy there will be a focus on increasing
reforestation on Vanua Levu.
Meanwhile, during
the financial year of 2023-2024, a total of 14 nurseries in the Province of
Cakaudrove was registered as vendor for the Ministry with sales at a value of
$27,708.00. From the 14 nurseries, Nayarabale Village has secured a tender
contract with the Ministry. The Ministry’s next plan is to make sure all the 14
nurseries form a cooperative and operate commercially from the next financial
year.
Under the
Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests (RDF) programme for Cakaudrove Province, a
total of 16,943 seedlings was bought at a value of $102,330.00 during the financial year of 2023-2024.
Additionally, an area
of 75.1 hectares was reforested with a total of 58,821 seedlings from species
ranging from coastal trees, fruiting trees, native trees, Mahogany, Teak, Coconut
and Acaicia trees.
For logging, currently
a total of four (4) active licenses are operating in Cakaudrove which generated
a total revenue of $14,683.18 during the first quarter and $38,576.14 in the second
quarter. Total revenue for Cakaudrove Province for quarter I and 2 is
$53,259.32.
The Ministry also intends
to establish ITaukei logging companies for those that have undergone training.
-End-