Efforts to improve sustainable forest management and environmental protection are being stepped up across Kadavu through a joint field deployment by the Ministry of Forestry and its development partners.

Officials from the Ministry’s Central Eastern Division, Rural Housing Authority Project, Maritime Pine Project, Forest Research Division and Fiji Pine Trust recently visited communities in Muani, Solodamu, Namalata, Tavuki, Nasegai, Ono, Namara, Naikorokoro and Mataso.

The team assessed ongoing forestry activities and held discussions with landowners and communities on forest management and development.

Restoration of waterways was among the key areas of focus, with communities encouraged to plant native trees and vetiver grass along riparian buffer zones to help control soil erosion, maintain water quality and protect surrounding ecosystems.

Officials also assessed invasive species, seedling survival rates and reforestation progress, while identifying opportunities to expand the planting of valuable native hardwoods such as sandalwood, or Yasi, and Pacific Kauri, known locally as Dakua.

The Ministry says these initiatives can strengthen biodiversity conservation while creating opportunities for communities and landowners to develop alternative sources of future income.

Research is also being undertaken to examine the environmental effects of forestry activities on catchments, including soil erosion following harvesting and sedimentation in streams, as well as the possible impact of siltation on coastal and marine environments.

The field deployment also reviewed community benefits linked to forestry investments, including Rural Housing Authority homes, community halls, water dams and bridge rehabilitation.

Logging operations, harvesting areas, protection zones and Environmental Impact Assessment requirements were also assessed. Consultations were held with communities and Mataqali in preparation for the 2026–2027 Maritime Subsidy cycle.

The Ministry says bringing forestry management, environmental research, ecosystem restoration and community development together will help ensure Kadavu’s forest resources are responsibly managed while providing long-term benefits to communities and landowners.