The Minister for Forests Hon. Osea Naiqama has called on all Fijians to have a renewed respect for nature.
Speaking at the launch of the 33rd Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s at Nawaka village yesterday, Minister Naiqama stressed that everyone needs regular reminders of a person’s connection with nature and the planet.
“This act is fundamental. The health of our planet is essential to our own health and well-being and to our future and trees and mangroves are an essential part of it.”
“Rising sea levels threaten every coastline. More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. On shrinking islands, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees. The security and stability of our nation is in jeopardy and the time we have to reverse this tide is running out.”
Minister Naiqama acknowledged the sponsors of the Nawaka 7s and highlighted that the programme is what the Ministry of Forestry, would like to see as a formidable partnership with sporting organisations/sporting personalities in Fiji and the region – a partnership to better address the effects of climate change.
“The Ministry of Forestry hopes that these rugby greats can become great ambassadors for climate change and relay the message about our tiny nation’s efforts to combat climate change.
“Interaction with the natural world enables us to experience wonder, joy, celebration and hope in a way as we can in no other place.”
He also stressed that as human beings we need to exercise stewardship, not as owners, but as one who is charged with overseeing and looking after something.