The successful launch of a newly established nursery in Waidina, Namosi will help communities in the area better manage their native forestry resources.
The Namosi Nursery, which is the result of strengthened partnership between government, Namosi Joint Venture (NJV), Future Forests Fiji and the Namosi and Waidina communities, was launched by the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests Inoke Wainiqolo today.
Mr Wainiqolo said the establishment of the Namosi nursery is a substantial investment for NJV which will support the ongoing rehabilitation works carried out by the company in Namosi.
“I would like to thank the Tikina Namosi communities and Tikina Namosi Landowners Committee (TNLC) for their commitment to the project and the collective effort they have put in. This is their nursery,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
“The nursery will support the ongoing rehabilitation works carried out by NJV. Native plant seedlings grown in these nurseries will be purchased by NJV to maintain its rehabilitation program.”
Mr Wainiqolo added that the nursery will support the area’s other environmental and livelihood planting programs in addition to providing plants for NJV’s rehabilitation programs.
“The project will see more trees being planted and create greater awareness of harnessing native species. The nursery will help bridge the gap between the younger generation and community elders on their native forestry resources,” the permanent secretary highlighted.
While NJV has sponsored the Namosi nursery, it will be solely managed by the communities.
“This will build capacity for business management and create greater awareness for potential business opportunities within the community,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
NJV has invested about $40,000 towards the Namosi nursery.
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