‘Be Advocates for Mangrove Protection’
Launch of the Suva Foreshore Rehabilitation and Mangrove Planting
The Permanent Secretary for Environment Joshua Wycliffe has urged Fijians to be advocates of mangrove protection. Mr Wycliffe was speaking during the launch of the Suva Foreshore Rehabilitation and Mangrove Planting initiative at My Suva Picnic Park where 341 trees were planted yesterday.
Many of the trees were coastal species.
Mr Wycliffe said Fijians need to promote the conservation of mangroves; their protection from invasive species and conduct continual replanting where destruction and loss have occurred.
“In order to address these threats to our mangroves, we need to work together as partners in planning and implementing our strategies against the threats posed to our mangroves in Fiji and indeed the region.” He commended the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the initiative. Regional director Mason Smith said Fijians needed to work together to reverse the loss of critically important mangrove habitats worldwide.
Mr Smith thanked Suva Rotary Club, Suva City Council, University of the South Pacific and other stakeholders from the private sector, academic institutions, and other organisations for their support in the convening of the ‘Suva Foreshore Rehabilitation and Mangrove Planting Initiative.’
“No doubt, mangroves are some of the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems in Fiji and in the region. From Bua to Ba, from Rakiraki to Rewa, from Sigatoka to Suva, mangroves provide food and medicine to local communities and contribute significantly to local livelihoods,” Mr Smith said.