Bala Helps Plant 600 Mangroves
My ministry is committed to encouraging youths to take action against climate change in their respective communities. This is what the Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala, told Navuniivi villagers in Ra during a mangrove planting programme.
A total of 600 mangrove seedlings were planted.
“In the newly-announced Budget, we have a programme called Youth Coast Care Programme,” Mr Bala said.
This programme promotes the revegetation of coastal areas to protect the receding shoreline, creates a nursery for marine life, increase fish numbers and promote the sustainable use of our marine resources.
He commended the village youths for their foresight in mangrove restoration.
“I am encouraged by the unity and co-operation of the village youths as this is one of my ministry’s objectives,” he said.
“I have no doubt Navuniivi is in safe hands through the empowerment of the younger generation and continued guidance by the village elders.”
The minister promised commitment to the project and ensured that his ministry would follow through to the end.
“As my partners from the Organisation for Industrial Spiritual Cultural Advancement (OISCA) had mentioned, we need 10,000 more mangroves planted along the shoreline to revegetate and mitigate climate change,” he said. “I promise that my team will be fully committed to this project and to add on to it we hope to have our very own mangrove nursery in Navuniivi.
“I strongly need your support to make this happen because this will benefit your future.”
The Youth Coast Care Programme is in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, OISCA and the Ra Provincial Office.
Sereana Macedru of Navuniivi Village said she was fortunate to witness much a great initiative. The 63-year-old said this would richly benefit women of the village.
“Now we don’t have to go far to fish, because of the mangroves, we are able to fish near our shorelines,” she said.
“We have noticed so many other species that are healthy forms of food in the area.
“On behalf of the women of Navuniivi Village I would like to thank the Navitilevu Village youth, Ministry of Youth and relevant stakeholders for making this happen.
“We may not live long to witness the full benefits of this project, but my children and grandchildren will.”