SUVA, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The rapid decline in biodiversity is linked to the lack of action in the survival and well-being of Fiji's biodiversity, a Fijian government minister said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the International Biodiversity Day Nature Walk in Suva, capital of Fiji, Fijian Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy said that the survival of biodiversity depends on human actions and it is no secret that people's biodiversity life is rapidly declining on a daily basis.
"This year's International Biodiversity Day was celebrated with the theme 'Our Biodiversity, Our Food and Our Health.' Fiji has also adopted her own sub theme for this activity which is 'Connecting with Nature walk'," said Reddy.
As part of Fiji's obligation to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the island nation is one member of the international community in trying to connect human actions to that of conserving biodiversity, he said.
"Recent research by known scientists and organizations indicate that biodiversity is vital for the security and sustainability of food production. However due to the decline of our biodiversity, food security is also being affected. Also in terms of health, we see organic foods being replaced by processed foods that affect our health," Reddy said.
He said that the Fijian government strives tirelessly to ensure that there are sound measures in place that safeguard the sustainability of Fiji's biodiversity and at the same time, ensures the economic and social development of the country.
