People will now be able to explore the untouched beauty of Nadarivatu with the opening of the Nadarivatu Forest Park today (February 14, 2025).
The facility allows visitors to enjoy horse riding, a village tour, birdwatching, cycling, and camping at Kauloa and Lomalagi platforms.
Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Hon. Alitia Bainivalu, said the opening of the Nadarivatu Forest Park was a celebration of commitment, collaboration, and a resolute dedication to a sustainable future.
Marking the second forest park following Colo-i-Suva Park in Fiji, the park connects three districts across three provinces: Ba, Ra, and Naitasiri.
Given its central location, Minister Bainivalu said the park would become a catalyst for further development in the area by attracting visitors.
“At its core, this project aligns seamlessly with the priority areas set forth by our National Development Plan—elevating the livelihoods of resource owners, focusing on sustaining Fiji's natural resources to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and contributing to economic recovery and growth,” she stated.
“Our commitment to reduce our carbon emissions and mitigate climate change is woven into the very fabric of this park.”
She labelled the Nadarivatu Forest Park as a living testament to resilience.
“It is not merely a space for passive observation; it is an interactive classroom where communities, school children, and visitors alike can engage with the intricate web of ecological processes.
“By fostering an understanding of the delicate balance between human activities, biodiversity, and climate, we are sowing the seeds for a generation that will be stewards of our natural heritage.”
Waikubukubu villager Miliakere Naisola acknowledged the Government for the development, stating that it will help the villagers generate income.
“This park will benefit us because some of the people lack jobs nowadays, so it will help the youths of our village to come and get employment for the benefit of their families and the village as a whole,” she said.