THE advancements of civilisation have consumed forest reserves, says President Jioji Konrote.
While launching the International Day of Forests celebrations in Sigatoka yesterday, he explained the growing need to replace forests that had been replaced by human developments.
“As civilisation has advanced, we have developed commercial agriculture and livestock, replacing the gifts of forests with food, clothing and shelter from other sources,” he said.
“Attitudes towards the forest changed, and the natural balance of sustainability that existed between people and our forests for generations has been shaken as a result.
“Many irresponsible actors continue to see our forests through the lens of industry and consumption.”
He said there were evident repercussions of these actions.
“As a consequence, we have suffered massive deforestation on a global scale.
“Land has been cleared for agriculture, trees are being cut down to construct homes or being burned to create heat. In a predatory and destructive manner, the appetite of the industry has consumed large swaths of our forests and their resources.
“Only recently, have we begun to realise that the bounty of our forests is not infinite.
“While forests can regenerate, they were being destroyed too rapidly for many areas to recover and when forests disappeared, communities suffered.
“The planet suffered. Humanity suffered.”
