Ways to protect our native forests and the environment from the impacts of deforestation is currently being discussed by stakeholders to try and formulate policies to ensure sustainable use of this natural resource.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community said it is crucial to consider the rights of the resource owners when addressing forest degradation in Fiji and it has been highlighted that forests play an important role in maintaining resilient landscapes and especially with regard to water supply and mitigating the risks of flooding.

Speaking to the ABC, Consultant Dr. Sean Weaver said many native forests in Fiji have been degraded without realizing its impacts.