ILISAPECI TUIVALE
“Conserving trees means protecting our grandchildren.”
These were the words of Lagia Mere from Navaga Village on Koro Island, one who survived and witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston four years ago.
The 69-year-old grandmother expressed her heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Ministry of Forestry led by the director of operations central-eastern division, George Vuki for engaging the youth from their village and district in the tree planting consultation and training held in the island.
“Just by sitting and listening to the consultation being carried out by the director and his staff, I am at peace knowing my grandchildren and their future generation will be protected. Trees are vital for our everyday sustainment – especially the fresh air they offer because without oxygen, we cannot survive,” Ms Mere said.
“When the strong winds of TC Winston battered our village, not a single tree survived and villagers on this island know what it is like to not have trees growing in our surroundings because everything was destroyed and our land became prone to minor landslides and threatened vegetation.”
“With the Government’s initiative of planting the 30 Million Trees in 15 Years, I know the future generation of Fiji will reap the benefits of afforestation,” Ms Mere said.
In Vatulele Village, 62-year-old Litia Dibaleiwai echoed similar sentiments and stated she was in awe of some of the techniques being showed by officers from the Ministry of Forestry on how trees need to be aligned and planted.
“This is the first time for me to listen to such a consultation and it is an eye-opener for us. Though we might not be around to witness the outcome of this initiative by the Government, I am happy to know that our future generation will be able to live through its benefits.”
“I am grateful to the Government for implementing the 30 Million Trees in 15 Years initiative and I thank the Ministry of Forestry for upholding this campaign by working towards achieving the aim of the initiative,” Ms Dibaleiwai stated.
Mr Vuki, while conducting consultations in the villages on Koro Island, reminded the villagers of the importance of encouraging the younger generation to replant trees for the sustainability of the environment.
“Fiji is working towards a goal of planting 30 million trees in 15 years and this is also contributing to our fight against the effects of climate change that the Hon. Prime Minister is a strong advocate of. Therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to conserve the trees already present amongst us because our livelihood depends on them.”
Villagers of all ages were present in every village halls in the villages visited by the team from the Ministry of Forestry to listen to the consultations.