At Nawamagi, Nadroga Province, the 2024 national celebration of the International Day of Forests took place at Conua District School on Thursday, presided over by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Honourable Kalaveti Vodo Ravu.

During his address, Hon. Ravu emphasized the critical role of innovative approaches in protecting and developing forests for the benefit of present and future generations.

He highlighted the Ministry’s adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as drones, GIS, and remote sensing for forest assessment and monitoring, enabling more efficient management and accurate information dissemination.

Additionally, Hon. Ravu showcased various innovative initiatives, including the Forest Emission Reduction Programme and tissue culture for tree cultivation, aimed at combating climate change and enhancing forest productivity.

He also lauded the Nabou Green Energy project, which converts waste wood into energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and clearing forest debris.

Despite the integration of modern technology, Hon. Ravu emphasized the continued importance of traditional knowledge in forest management.

He underscored traditional knowledge as the cornerstone of the forestry sector, emphasizing its complementary role alongside technological advancements.

Hon. Ravu also highlighted the Ministry’s adoption of online licensing systems to streamline processes for resource owners, making it easier to acquire licenses.

He urged for the passing down of traditional knowledge to younger generations, empowering them to leverage both traditional wisdom and technological innovations for effective forest management.

In the conclusion of the event, Hon. Ravu called for community participation in forestry programs to collectively contribute to sustainable forests, biodiversity conservation, clean water, air, and resilience to climate change.