The ‘Say No to Illegal Logging’ pledge by the Ministry of Forestry is aimed at creating greater public awareness and to gather support from as many stakeholders, says Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum responded to a question from Opposition MP Mitieli Bulanauca on the status of the initiative in Parliament last week.
He said the Ministry of Forestry had launched the Say No to Illegal Logging pledge in Labasa on February 11.
“The pledge is being piloted in Vanua Levu before it is implemented in Viti Levu and other areas,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
He said about 300 individuals had signed up for the pledge since its launch.
“This includes farmers, landowning units, licensed loggers, government officials and private companies.”
Mr SayedKhaiyum said 68 per cent of the pledges came from landowning units.
“We expect the momentum to increase as we continue to conduct awareness to the tikina and provincial meetings which our prime minister is attending today (Friday).”
Through ongoing discussions with members of the timber industry, increasing media awareness and also in Parliament.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the Ministry of Forestry was building the capacity of its staff with training opportunities provided by FICAC and DPP on investigations and prosecution processes.
