Editorial comment – Proactive approach

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Team Port Denarau with the Specialised Tourism Services & Support to the Industry Award at the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award at Sofitel Fiji Resort& Spa Denarau in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH

THE revelation that our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has sent out a warning to property developers to work within the laws that ensure the protection of Fiji’s environment will no doubt attract attention.

Speaking to tourism operators on Denarau at the weekend, the PM said the protection and preservation of Fiji’s natural environment was important for the success of every Fijian and the tourism industry.

His statement must come as a warning for developers around the country.

The PM said he was alarmed by what he said were “recent cases of apparent breaches of environmental protections here in Fiji”.

Such breaches, he insisted, should be met with the full force of the law.

There can be no exceptions, he warned. “If you break our laws, you will be punished,” he warned.

“We’ll soon be rolling out an environmental hotline where Fijians can report abuses of our environment wherever they see it happening.

“So, to any developer, from anywhere in the world, let me say this: if you intend to destroy or forever degrade our environment, you are not welcome in Fiji.

“I assure you our hospitality has hard and fast limits, and we don’t take kindly to anyone who violates our laws.

“No matter the size of your development, no matter how grand the promises you carry with you may be.”

Mr Bainimarama acknowledged hoteliers who were committed to safeguarding the environment.

He acknowledged “all of the tourism operators and we have many who are fully committed to the preservation of our mangroves, forests, reefs, shorelines and all of the flora and fauna that collectively make up our ecosystem”.

There were people, he said, who would ensure development does not come at the expense of the health of our natural environment.

“We know, as the vast majority of you know, that a healthy natural environment is the very bedrock on which this industry succeeds. Our environment is not some endless source of beauty and bounty.  It is a limited resource and it must be protected.”

The PM’s warning is apt.

What must happen now is for all those in government, and stakeholders who are responsible for safeguarding our environment, are proactive in policing our laws.

We agree the law must come down hard on those who breach them.

There are obviously cases of interest before us.

Our challenge is to be united, and proactive, in our desire to protect our environment.

This is for our nation and our future generations.

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