MOU Signing

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Forestry to strengthen cooperation for the purpose of information sharing and collaboration in the areas of investigation, prosecution and overall improvement of processes to decrease illegal activities in the Forestry Sector.

The signing was officiated by the Ministry of Forestry’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Pene Baleinabuli and the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu this morning.

Mr Baleinabuli said the MOU will strengthen the Ministry’s efforts in safeguarding Fiji's forest cover estimated at approximately 1.1 million or 60% of the country’s total land area.

“The 1.1million of forests is a lot of area to manage for the staff located at our 20 field stations across the country and this partnership with the Fiji Police Force will significantly expand our reach and ability to monitor forest areas and to promote sustainable management”.

“The Fiji Police force is one of the most strategically positioned agencies across the length and breadth of our country and the MOU lays the foundation for the systematic sharing of information between the Ministry and Fiji Police and will help develop synergies to improve Fiji’s overall management of our forests which include any illegal operations”.

The Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the Fiji Police Force is ready to assist the Ministry in its efforts.

“When I look at the intention of the Ministry and think about our nation and future generation I see it as a noble calling and I assure you that we are here to support the Ministry's efforts”.