SUVA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Former Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on Wednesday called for stronger efforts to restore degraded land and protect the country's natural resources, saying environmental conservation is essential for Fiji's long-term prosperity.
Addressing the Fiji International Landcare and Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Suva, Katonivere said safeguarding forests, rivers and agricultural land should remain a national priority as communities face growing environmental pressures, according to local media reports.
He said healthy ecosystems underpin resilient communities, food security and sustainable livelihoods, adding that economic growth and environmental protection should be pursued together rather than seen as competing priorities.
Katonivere said protecting land and natural resources is also vital for preserving Fiji's cultural heritage, noting that indigenous traditions are closely connected to the environment.
He called for wider adoption of sustainable land management practices and increased efforts to restore degraded land across the Pacific island nation.
The former president also encouraged integrating traditional knowledge with modern science and technology to strengthen environmental stewardship.
He urged young people to learn from their elders while embracing innovation, saying they would play a key role as future custodians of Fiji's natural resources. ■