FDB contributes to ‘30 Million Trees in 15 Years’ reforestation initiative

The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has planted over 3,000 trees since the launch of the Bank’s Reforestation Program in 2019.

This signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity promotes FDB’s commitment to environmental responsibility and climate action initiatives.

The Bank has achieved this milestone through a partnership with the Ministry of Forestry and the iTaukei Affairs Board. This collaboration was formalized for the purpose of long-term engagement with communities in the West, North and Central/Eastern divisions to restore degraded forests.

According to FDB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Saud Minam, this initiative is part of the Bank’s annual calendar of CSR events.

Mr. Minam said by engaging in such activities, the Bank aims to enhance the society and the environment in which it operates.

“Having impactful CSR activities forge a stronger bond between communities and organizations. It also helps us to feel more connected to the society around us.”

The CEO added that “as the only development bank in the South Pacific to be accredited Direct (National) Access Entity by the Green Climate Fund, it has become even more significant for FDB to lead climate-resilient initiatives that will assist our economy to adapt to the impacts of climate change.”

To mark this year’s International Day of Forests with the theme ‘Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption,’ a special tree planting activity was organized by the partners over the weekend.

FDB, Live and Learn and Ministry of Forestry staff planted more than 1800 seedlings in the North, West and Central/Eastern divisions.

These trees are now included in the ‘30 Million Trees in 15 Years’ (30MT15Y) national tally.

• 1000 seedlings were planted in Doguru Village in the North.
• 560 seedlings were planted in Waimalika in Nadi.
• 300 seedlings were planted in Silana Village in Tailevu.

The seedlings included pine, kavika and other fruit trees.

Mr. Minam said the FDB family is pleased to participate in activities that contribute towards achieving targets set complimentary to the National Development Plan.

The CEO also acknowledged the staff and their family members who joined the tree planting activity over the weekend.

Fiji Development Bank Central/Eastern staff at Silana Village in Tailevu after planting 300 seedlings.

Relationship and Sales Officer at FDB Ba Branch, Sohail Buksh plants a seedling at Waimalika in Nadi.

Relationship and Sales Officer at FDB Savusavu Branch, Miriama Turaganivalu plants a seedling at Doguru Village.