STATEMENT BY MR. MANASA VANIQI, PPERMANENT SECRETARY PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MULTI ETHNIC AFFAIRS

CSD IPM THEMATIC DEBATE ON LAND

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 25 FEBRUARY, 2009

Madam Chairperson,

Fiji aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Permanent Representative of Grenada on behalf of AOSIS and the Permanent Representative of thee Federated States of Micronesia on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States.

Land and customary fishing grounds constitutes the foundation of the cultural identity of Fiji’s indigenous people and today forms the basis of agricultural and rural development for all people who have called Fiji home. It is the umbilical cord that has provided and will c continue to provide, sustenance so necessary for the growth and well being of Fiji and its citizens.

From a national perspective, erosion, poor land management practice s (including a lack of focus in reforestation) unregulated fishing and the combined adverse effects of climate change (including droughts & flash flooding) pose major challenges to land in Fiji. This is especially so in coastal areas where the e run‐off effects of soil erosion, combined with the rise in sea temperatures, has had a devastating effect on our coral reefs upon which most rural communities depend for their livelihood. This challenge must be addressed by climate adaptation strategies, which will strengthen the resilience of communities affected by land erosion. These strategies should also take into account the needs of the community, the conservation of our biodiversity and social, cultural, traditional and environmental factors.

Technical and financial l support to protect and manage our natural resources, such as marine protected areas and forest reserves must be prioritized if we are to maximize pro per land usage support proper agricultural development. Information on land use is essential for development to proceed in a pace that is sustainable given the ever decreasing availability of land. This challenge can be addressed through technology transfer and enhancing the technical capability, capacity and resources of small island nations such as Fiji; who along with our local communities are in the best position to share knowledge and best practices on data collection.

I thank you.