Setting strategic priorities to ensure that appropriate legislation and policies are aligned to support the effective management of waterways and to sustain our environment is paramount.
This was highlighted by Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Dr. Mahendra Reddy while launching the five-year Strategic Development Plan for the Ministry of Waterways and Environment yesterday.
Minister Reddy said the 2020-2024 Strategic Development Plan captured and emphasized on key objectives of the Ministry in order to meet National Development targets, setting precedence to key deliverables espoused within the five-year plan.
Minister Reddy reiterated the goal of achieving a ‘Vision of Clean, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Waterways Management for a Sustainable and Resilient Fiji,’ as the document would also guide the Ministry’s activities from 2020-2024.
“The Strategic Plan reiterates that Waterways and Environment are central in contributing to the achievements of all the national development goals.”
“It further reiterates the fact that, while sustainable waterways are central to flood mitigation, agricultural production and productivity and mitigation of climate change effects, a healthy, clean and productive environment is essential for sustainable development because it reflects the balance between the demand and supply of natural resources,” he said.
Minister Reddy further reiterated the strategic plan draws the direction from the National Development Plan (NDP), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the Green Growth Framework, and other regional and global policy documents, to guide the Ministry meet its objectives.
“The Ministry has developed strategic pathways to deliver services which are building resilience to climate change & waterways related hazards through irrigation, improved drainage, flood control, riverbank, and coastal protection, and to be a reliable environment regulator and trusted leader in environmental policy and practice.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Waterways and Environment website was also launched as part of this launching.