CAPTION: Luke Daunivalu, PS Forests-Inoke Wainiqolo, Minister Inia Seruiratu, Samuela Lagataki.
The Minister Fisheries and Forests Mr Inia Seruiratu this week delivered a statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at the tenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.
Minister Seruiratu is participating in the first two days of the meeting, which is a dedicated Ministerial segment involving plenary statements and two roundtable discussions. The two-week meeting was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Turkey.
In his statement, one of the issues Minister Seruiratu underscored was the importance of forest financing to the Group of 77 and China as a means of their achieving sustainable forest management.
The call for increased level of forest funding has been a consistent position of the Group and recognises the need for support that many developing countries require to enable them to sustainably manage their forests.
The Minister pointed out that “there is also a need to develop and strengthen the role of Governments on forest issues, including public-private-partnerships and private sector engagement, where appropriate.”
Fiji’s participation at UNFF sessions is important given the priority that Government places upon the sustainable development of our forests and natural resources generally. In its capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 and China, Fiji’s involvement at the tenth UNFF session is particularly necessary as developing countries continue to advocate their common interests as a bloc.
The Istanbul meeting is the first time that the UN Forum on Forests is meeting outside of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Minister Seruiratu is accompanied by Mr Inoke Wainiqolo, the Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests, Mr Samuela Lagataki, Conservator of Forests, and Mr Luke Daunivalu of the Fiji Mission to the UN.
The meeting will end on Friday, 19th April.
MINFO