SUVA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 37,282 hectares of lands in Fiji have been planned to undergo emission reduction programs, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said on Wednesday.

According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Khaiyum, who is also the minister responsible for affairs related to climate change, said in the parliament that the lands involved in the program are in Fiji's three largest islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni.

The minister said that the lands are potentially to be expanded.

Fiji is expected to get support by the World Bank's Carbon Fund for its programs include forestation of degraded land, sustainable management of designated timber production forests, protection of the existing natural forests, incorporation of trees into farming and agricultural systems and promotion of forests-based livelihood ventures.

Khaiyum said that the five-year agreement will unlock around 25.4 million Fijian dollars (about 12.5 million U.S. dollars) in result-based payments for reducing emissions and boosting climate resilience.

He said the funds will be directed to resource owners as incentive payments through a benefit-sharing plan developed by the Fijian government in collaboration with the World Bank.

Fiji has been working to plant 4 million timber, fruit, ornamental and other trees in a four-year initiative, which is part of the Fijian government's renewed efforts to fight against climate change and protect Fiji's environment and rich biodiversity.

Fiji is also planning to plant 500,000 mangrove trees in the next three years to protect the coastal ecosystems. In 15 years the Fijian government aims to plant 30 million trees for protecting environment. Enditem

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