Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Lauds Increased Budget Allocation
The Honourable Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu delivered a comprehensive address during the 2024-2025 National Budget debate today. Her statement highlighted the significant budget allocations for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry and their implications for the sector.
Fisheries Sector: Enhanced Monitoring and Development Initiatives
The Fisheries sector has received a robust allocation aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities and supporting sustainable practices. A total of FJD 744,918 has been allocated to the Offshore Fisheries Management Division, focusing on bolstering Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) systems to combat Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing.
Additionally, the Ministry is set to host the 21st Annual Session of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in Suva. This significant event will bring together 550 participants from around the globe to discuss the region’s tuna stocks and their sustainable development.
Hon. Bainivalu also announced substantial investments in fisheries research, with FJD 837,666 earmarked for species identification, stock assessments, and species development. Technical services will receive FJD 123,024 for equipment maintenance and repair across the Ministry’s facilities, ensuring operational efficiency.
The Aquaculture development sector is set to benefit from an allocation of FJD 1,875,866, aimed at procuring technical equipment and supporting capital constructions. Additional funding includes FJD 150,000 for upgrades to fisheries stations, FJD 500,000 for Coastal Fisheries Development, and FJD 700,000 for Aquaculture Associations development.
Significant projects under the R allocation include FJD 400,000 for solar panel installation at the Makogai Research Station, FJD 230,000 for the Cawaro Ice plant, and FJD 350,000 to support commercial brackish water fisheries.
Forestry Sector: Expansion and Reforestation Efforts
The Forestry sector has seen a budget increase to FJD 31.4 million, reflecting a 40% rise from the previous year. This boost will support the Ministry’s forest and ecosystem restoration programs, with FJD 2.5 million allocated for reforestation of degraded landscapes, forest conservation, and the reforestation of native and exotic species. These efforts align with Fiji's international commitments to combat climate change.
The Ministry's REDD+ program will receive FJD 1.2 million, a 44% increase, to support the Readiness Phase of Carbon Trading across multiple provinces, targeting numerous villages and districts.
The expansion of Maritime Pine projects is a key focus, with an increased allocation from FJD 1.9 million to over FJD 2.8 million. This funding will support the socio-economic development of maritime communities, including the recent construction of a jetty in Muani, Kadavu, to facilitate log transport.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are set to receive FJD 450,000, aimed at upgrading existing forest parks and establishing new community forest parks. These initiatives will provide economic opportunities for resource owners and contribute to local economic growth.
The Ministry is also focusing on developing cottage industries, with a FJD 200,000 subsidy program to support small enterprises through the procurement of woodworking machinery and equipment.
In conclusion, Hon. Bainivalu expressed her gratitude to her colleagues and supporters, reaffirming her commitment to the sustainable development of Fiji’s fisheries and forestry sectors. The increased budget allocations reflect the government’s dedication to resource-based sectors, aiming to positively impact the lives of all Fijians.
The 2024-2025 budget, as highlighted in Hon. Bainivalu's address, sets a clear path for growth and sustainability in Fiji’s fisheries and forestry sectors, ensuring that the country remains committed to environmental stewardship and economic development.
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