Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama [left] with Tasman Environment Market chief executive Peter Castellas [Source: Fijian Government]

Fiji can likely become a model for a carbon neutral destination says Tasman Environment Market chief executive Peter Castellas.

The comment was made at the 6th Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit in Melbourne, Australia as a growing interest in decarbonizing Fiji’s economy was evident.

While meeting Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Castellas indicated that with the right support from the Fijian Government, the scope for Fiji becoming the first place that is carbon neutral is high.

He says with a strong tourism sector and the increased awareness of the importance of preserving the pristine environment, it will not be too difficult to connect the dots and offset the carbon footprints of visitors to the country.

Bainimarama highlighted that Fiji is already set on this trajectory through the Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy.

The funds collected through the 10 per cent environment and climate levy is enabling the Government to do more in managing biodiversity and climate adaptation activities.

A partnership with organisations such as Tasman Environment Market will accelerate the pace of transitioning Fiji into a carbon-neutral destination.