The Fijian Government’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources was reiterated to all communities and the general public, who are being advised to refrain from damaging natural resources and contributing to environmental pollution.
This was the advice reiterated by the Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr. Mahendra Reddy during the commissioning of the Naveicovatu Vetiver Project in Tailevu today.
Dr. Reddy stressed that Government remained committed to protecting our natural resources, highlighting that the 2013 Fijian Constitution guaranteed this, with legislations in place.
“Government will come out strong on the enforcement of these legislations as there have been instances of sea and river bank destabilization; cutting down of mangroves; dumping of litter and industrial waste in our waterways; unsustainable and irresponsible commercial, industrial and agricultural practices which is posing a threat to our waterways; and indiscriminate destruction of our natural resources for personal commercial gains,” he said.
“Let me make it clear that while we want investment, growth and development, and will support and promote it, but not at the expense of our environment and natural resources,” said Dr. Reddy.
He highlighted that this was being done to ensure that future generations were not deprived and had the opportunity to enjoy the same benefits from the environment and natural resources.
“Natural resources provide direct benefit to the current generation, however, the loss of these natural resources will not only deprive the future generation from deriving these same direct benefits, it will also deprive them of the environment whose value may not be measured quantitatively,” said Minister Reddy.
“While we will do our best to educate everyone on the importance of protecting our environment and natural resources, we will, at the same time, use the full force of the law to punish anyone who attempts to do otherwise.