The Office of the Prime Minister has signed a grant agreement of $250,000 with the Fiji Mahogany Trust to better coordinate the needs of the mahogany landowners and to further enhance their contribution towards the mahogany industry.
The agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Yogesh Karan and Trust Chairman Serevi Baledrokadroka.
Karan urged the Trust to be transparent and accountable and also utilise the grant wisely for the benefit of the landowners.
He says the Fijian government is working towards reforming the mahogany industry.
He says the era of mismanaging the mahogany industry is a thing of the past and it’s time to sustain the industry.
Karana says the onus is on the Trust to use the grant wisely and ensure that every landowner is well-resourced with the knowledge and skills of using their natural resources for improved livelihoods.
Baledrokadroka says they were indeed grateful to the Bainimarama-led government for the grant, adding it would certainly add more value to their strategic objectives.
He says they are planning for more capacity-building exercises, awareness training on land management practices, chainsaw workshops and financial literacy to name a few.
