EVEN though the Cakau Green program will be launched at the end of the year, some people in Cakaudrove have started on vegetarian diets for healthy living.
Endorsed at the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting early this year, the program requires people in the province to be vegetarians once a week every month.
The program is an initiative of the newly-formed Cakaudrove Yaubula Committee.
Roko tui Cakaudrove Ro Aca Mataitini said the program would be launched in Taveuni by Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, during the budgetary provincial council meeting in November.
"Some people have started following the program even though it is yet to be launched and we are really appreciative because they are taking ownership of their health," Ro Aca said.
"This program is about living a healthy lifestyle and improving our health conditions.
"We are not forcing the people to be vegetarians. It's entirely up to them to follow this diet as we work towards controlling non-communicable and communicable diseases in the area," he said.
Ro Aca said they would work closely with district reps and village headmen to ensure the success of the program.