SPC/GIZ Regional REDD+ Project.
Forest Conservation in the Pacific Island Countries.

Fiji Forestry officers receive training for better monitoring of NFMS

The 5 days training for Forestry officers in the Central/Eastern Division got underway today at Novotel, Lami. The Quantum Geographical Information System (GIS) and Garmin 64s GNSS training will contribute to the better monitoring of Fiji’s National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS). Permanent Secretary for Forestry Mr Pene Baleinabuli said the training is imperative for the Ministry as it refocuses its priorities towards knowing the forest resources that Fiji has and developing strategies to sustainably manage Fiji’s forest resources. He said that to develop the right strategies, the Ministry must have the right information at the right time. He added that in the past, aerial photography and the use of hand-held compasses were the means of providing information on the shape and location of logging areas and Mataqali land boundaries and that such information was often lacking accuracy and time consuming. PS Baleinabuli said that with the use of differential GPS, this information can be accurately determined in real time. The workshop ends on Friday. Similar workshops will be held in the North and Western divisions.

Source: Reama Naco, REDD+ Fiji Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist.

Mr Romulo Jale, clarifying information to Forestry Officers.
Forestry Officers during the training.
Permanent Secretary for Forestry, Mr Pene Baleinabuli delivering opening address.