The Madam Deputy Speaker of Parliament;
The Honorable Prime Minister;
Honorable Deputy Prime Ministers;
Honorable Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers;
Honorable Leader of the Opposition;
Honorable Members of Parliament;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bula Vinaka and a very good day to you all,
Before my response to His Excellency’s most gracious statement I wish to address the house on a few issues that were brought up by a member of the Opposition.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I was a farmer and a board member of our cooperative before I became a politician. I have resigned from the board before becoming a Minister but remained as a member of the cooperative to support aquaculture and agriculture farmers that are struggling to make ends meet. Cooperatives in Fiji operate in different sectors across many outer islands and are closely linked with economic and social development.
Is it wrong by law for me to be a member of a cooperative linked with economic and social development in my Ministry?
Madam Deputy Speaker, it is generally agreed that Ministers, members of Parliament and state servants should always avoid conflicts of interest and should never let private interests take precedence over the public interest, however, the matter is not clear-cut. I do not see any conflict of interest on my part and am upholding and closely observing Section 7(2) of Schedule 1 of Code of Conduct of 2018.
A person’s personal interests as a member of a particular social group, whether described by age, gender, occupation, marital status, ethnicity, area of residence or even sporting or social associations, are protected under Section 19(1) of Chapter 2 on the Bill of Rights under Fiji constitution.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Section 32(1) of the Bill of Rights and Constitution, states that: “Every person has the right to full and free participation in the economic life of the State, which includes the right to choose their own work, trade, occupation, profession or other means of livelihood”. Members of my cooperative that have an interest in doing business in forestry and fishing are protected under this law, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Taking all this into consideration Madam Deputy Speaker, the honorable member on the other side of the house had done a lousy job in trying to degrade my reputation.
Was there any question on conflict of interest and abuse of office to Mr.
Aiyaz Khaiyum, in his capacity as Minister for Finance, when providing $millions of government funds to his brother at FBC, by the current opposition member? No.
Was there any question on conflict of interest and abuse of office to Bainimarama when employing his family members in various arms of government? No.
Now that we have gotten that out of the Way.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise to respond to His Excellency’s most gracious speech delivered in this august House to mark the opening of the 2024 new parliament year.
I must acknowledge the words of inspiration and foresight from His Excellency’s timely statement that has set the course, as we navigate the people of Fiji through the year.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I note that His Excellency mentioned the importance of natural resource based sectors. The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry echo the sentiments made and I firmly believe that this is the silver lining to, our strive towards prosperity for our people.
Madam Deputy Speaker, We are here for only 3 reasons and that is the people, The People and The people of this land we call home. We have been humbly reminded of the immense responsibility that comes with representing the diverse voices and aspirations of our people.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I will begin with ridges of our Forestry sector and elaborate to the reefs and beyond for our Fisheries Sector.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in the State opening of Parliament, His Excellency, in his statement, rightfully stated that despite our negligible contribution to global emissions, we are greatly impacted by the effects of climate change. Our coastal communities are being forced to relocate and we have our lives and livelihoods impacted in various ways due to the effects of climate change.
Madam Deputy Speaker Sir, in addressing climate resilience the Ministry will continue its 30Million Trees in 15 Years Programme, focusing more on survival and encouraging community participation through incentive planting and seedling sales. This support will extend to coastal communities and restoration of mangroves for coastal protection and restoration of the coastal ecosystems.
To support our tree growing efforts, a new Plantation Policy and a Reforestation and afforestation guideline is being developed by the Ministry through support from its development partners.
Additionally, Madam Deputy Speaker, we will continue to address emissions through our Forest Emissions Reduction Programme. We have completed our first monitoring report which has progressed through a third party audit and should result in the first carbon payments which we have aspired to since the REDD+ project was implemented.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this programme is intended to be inclusive, with communities being consulted on the requirements to be met in order to participate and receive the full benefits of compliance to the standards required under the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.
Madam Deputy Speaker, We will continue to support our low emission development strategy through reduced deforestation and increased plantation productivity. Our support of bioenergy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce forest waste is progressing through engagement with the Nabou Green Energy and other stakeholders contributing to the forest energy sector.
Madam Deputy Speaker, We are currently undertaking extensive afforestation and restoration of forests to ensure sustainable supply from our forests while they continue to provide the essential environmental services including protection of our biodiversity, provision of clean water and overall health of our forests and oceans through a ridge to reef concept.
Madam Deputy Speaker, His Excellency highlighted the need to foster strong partnerships and the Ministry is working in collaboration with its stakeholders, development partners and other government agencies, to access climate funds to accelerate our response to climate change collectively.
Through the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization, we have submitted a concept note to the Green Climate Fund which has been accepted and we are progressing in the development of a full proposal, working together with other agencies with pipeline Green Climate Fund projects.
Madam Deputy Speaker, not only has the Ministry sought external collaboration, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Itaukei Heritage and arts. Noting the access the Ministry of itaukei has with our local communities that will assist in the delivery of our initiatives, and the establishment of governance within those intended communities to ensure the sustainability and diversification of projects.
Madam Deputy Speaker, to secure climate finance, it is important to review our policies and legislations to allow for new developments and partnerships. We are currently reviewing our Forest Act 1992 to align it to the Climate Change Act. This is to ensure consistency of definition, processes, institutional arrangements and responsibility and to provide a legal framework that will underpin forest climate change initiatives including forest carbon trading.
Madam Deputy Speaker, with the changing global environment in terms of standards, compliance, environmental, economic, social and political developments, it is imperative that the Mahogany Industry Development Act of 2010 be reviewed.
The Ministry will be undertaking this much needed review, in consultation with all stakeholders with the intention to address good governance, sustainability, compliance to trade requirements, inclusiveness of communities and overall economic growth.
The REDD+ Policy of 2010 has been reviewed and is in the final stages of endorsement. This will set the much needed direction required for the forest emissions reduction programme and projects.
A Code of Practice for wood processing has been developed to ensure sustainable wood processing and improving the efficiency of sawmills in terms of recovery, health and safety and protection of the environment.
Madam Deputy Speaker, to support trade and diversify products from forests, the Ministry is developing partnerships to explore the potential of bamboo and other non-wood forest products as well as assisting resource owners to effectively participate in our efforts towards value addition.
We are working closely with resource owners through cottage industries, small enterprises and cooperatives by providing them training and infrastructure to manufacture their products and markets access. Currently we are supporting 3 cottage industries, Gaunavou Cooperative from Vugalei, Kalabu Youths and Sawakasa Youths.
In addition, we are supporting wood carvers from Fulaga and Kabara through training on product development and marketing their products, and eventually resourcing them with equipment through subsidies.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Government through the Ministry, continues to support the maritime pine commercial program for Kadavu and Lakeba and this work is currently in progress. The Ministry is working with all key stakeholders including village communities in these 2 islands to ensure that all key compliance regulations are met prior to the commencement of operations.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Ministry seeks to develop new technologies and tools to assist in economic development, improve well-being, while protecting the natural resource base and the environment. We have developed online licensing systems for user ease and using GIS and remote sensing coupled with drone technology to improve our resource assessment and enforcement.
Madam Deputy Speaker, on the topic of Innovation, I wish to inform this house that this year, the International Day of Forests which is annually celebrated on the 21st of March, has the theme “Forests and Innovation- new solutions for a better world. We continue to harness new technology to develop new sustainable material from trees, newer ways to better manage our forests and the products and services they provide.
Madam Deputy Speaker, for the Ministry of Fisheries we have prioritised the implementation of adaptation strategies to build resilience in the face of extreme weather events and changing environmental conditions by promoting and investing in aquaculture and the culture of coastal commodities.
Madam Deputy Speaker, One of the core focus area for the Ministry is dedicated to sustainable capture fisheries and aquaculture practices that ensure the long-term health of its marine resources and support the livelihoods of our coastal communities. We are working to promote responsible fishing practices for our coastal communities and sustainable aquaculture development to meet the growing demand for seafood while preserving our oceans for future generations.
Madam Deputy Speaker, The Ministry recognises the transformative power of technology and digitalization in revolutionising our Fisheries sector. As a nation heavily reliant on agriculture and fisheries for food security and economic development, we understand the importance of harnessing innovation to enhance productivity, sustainability and resilience in our food systems.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Ministry has installed vessel monitoring systems and Electronic monitoring systems on fishing vessels contribute to sustainable fishing practices and prevent Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing that could occur within our Exclusive Economic Zone. Together with placement of fisheries observers on longline vessels, will ensure compliance and entering of correct data and timely submission of data from any particular area in the sea to the office for documentation.
Further to this, the Ministry is working with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to develop e-Permitting and e-Catch Documentation Systems to ensure the mass balancing of tuna and tuna like products that pass through Fiji both as export and re-export commodities, a system that complements the e-payment systems provided by the Ministry of Finance; all aim at ensuring the “ease of doing business” here in Fiji.
Madam Deputy Speaker, We are committed through strategic partnerships, capacity building initiatives, and investment in research and development. We aim to empower our people with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Madam Deputy Speaker, We have facilitated consultations for the Aquaculture Development Plan, with involvement of the private sectors. The consultation has completed 2 phases now with involvement of Fisheries technical officers and the private sectors. The plan will provide a platform for the private sectors, Fisheries and other government agencies to work together and allow the export of highly valued fisheries commodities, which will contribute to economic growth within the aquaculture sector.
Furthermore the promotion of aquaculture development is aligned to Strategic Goal 14 contributing to protection of the coastal fisheries resources, which has been over-exploited.
Madam Deputy Speaker, The Aquaculture Bill is a legislation that protects the interest of the resource owners and the investors and needs to be thoroughly reviewed before being tabled to Cabinet. The forthcoming Review of Offshore Fisheries Management Act and Regulations and the Fisheries CAP 158, highlights our dedication to ensure robust legal frameworks, emphasizing extensive consultation processes across Fiji and inter-agency coordination.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Our recent initiatives and ongoing endeavors reflect our dedication to sustainable fisheries management, economic development, and international cooperation on initiatives such as the Fiji National Offshore Fishing Crew Policy and the Fiji National Fish Warden Policy. This aims to promote safety, labor conditions, and compliance within the fishing industry.
Madam Deputy Speaker, The recent lifting of the ban on sea cucumber harvesting, accompanied by strict regulations and approved entities, demonstrates our commitment to balancing economic interests of the people and the sector with marine conservation efforts. The Ministry continues to make a concerted effort, as in these cases, to ensure that the economic wellbeing is trickled down to the community level where the “people” will most benefit.
The Ministry has engaged efforts with certain private entities to enhance projects like the Seaweed Development Project. This is the new direction the
Ministry intends to expand the Seaweed mass culture in the northern Division namely Bua, Macuata and Cakaudrove. This will support the farms currently established in the Central and Western division. This highlights our commitment to public-private partnerships and sustainable aquaculture practices, and further reinforces that concept that our communities are not only to engage in such efforts constructively, but will be able to stand alone eventually and reap the benefits of such projects.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Ministry of Fisheries & Forestry remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing Fiji’s Fisheries & Forestry sector.
Through strategic partnerships, legislative initiatives, and proactive measures, we are dedicated to fostering sustainable development, promoting economic prosperity, and safeguarding the well-being of our communities.
To conclude, I would like to echo the sentiments of His Excellency that states that “we are accountable for our actions”.
The journey will not be easy but I would like to remind us all of the purpose we are here for. Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element for all of us and it is the reason why we are here at this particular time in history.
Our very existence is wrapped around what we are here to fulfill.
I wish to encourage positive, constructive and respectful dialogues for this new parliament year, 2024.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Vinaka Vakalevu and I thank you.