Staff and students from the Fiji National University, Labasa, conducted a tree planting initiative along the Labasa river bank this morning as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community engagement initiatives.

FNU staff and students were joined by key stakeholders including members from the Labasa Town Council, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources and the Provincial Council at the event.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Toby Wilkinson said the initiative was an example of the University engaging with its stakeholders and community and putting its Sustainability plans into practice.

“Universities, as institutions of higher learning, have a particular responsibility to show leadership in environmental sustainability. As Fiji’s national university, FNU needs to lead by example, putting environmental stewardship at the heart of our future planning,” Professor Wilkinson said.

“That is why FNU’s new Strategic Plan for 2021-2026 has Our Environment as an over-arching theme.”

“Each one of us has a duty to future generations to play a part in safeguarding our precious planet. Each one of us has an opportunity to do our bit for a more sustainable future – by reusing and recycling, disposing of our litter responsibly, reducing our individual carbon footprint and engaging in sustainable activities and practices.”

“This is also aligned to our new Sustainability Plan, which will be launched in the coming days.”

FNU’s Head of Campus Labasa, Pardeep Lal, said the CSR committee at the campus was formed and began establishing partnerships with the town council and Ministry departments with the aim of creating a more sustainable community.

“We have managed to plant trees that were recommended and provided to us by the Ministry of Forestry along the river bank and this will help in reducing erosion, flooding, pollution and runoff from rainfall,” Lal said.

“We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration from our stakeholders and community members, in particular the Chairman of the FNU Labasa Campus Stakeholders Advisory Committee, Tui Macuata and President-elect, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.”

“We had informed him of the initiative and he has voiced his appreciation of this activity.”

“We plan to conduct more CSR and Sustainability projects as part of the University’s Strategic Plan and focus.”