Women plant trees to mark Christmas

SIXTY women of Navisabasaba Village Women’s Club in Nadroga tried something different this Christmas week by planting native trees along the Tuva River.

Club president Elena Vosailagi Momo said they thought of making this year’s Christmas memorable by doing something which would benefit everyone, including future generations.

She said Conservation International provided seedlings of native trees such as vesi, kavika, vutu, lemon and other plants.

She said the plants were provided for planting along the Tuva River to conserve the soil from erosion.

She said youths and school students were also part of the planting and the event was used to educate them on the significance of plants and such activities.

“All the women were looking forward to getting together for Christmas but they didn’t have enough but what worried them was that they didn’t have enough in terms of finance so they participated happily in this treeplanting as it was paid for,” Ms Momo said.

“There’re 60 of us, some are working while more than 10 women enjoy planting and doing this work as it’s not only to protect the Tuva River but for the future generation as well.”

She acknowledged the Conservation International for their support.

She urged people to celebrate the holidays by doing something “constructive”.

“Normally, people are looking for celebration during Christmas, for us here in Navisabasaba,

I believe, we need to do something constructive like planting which will help minimise the effects of climate change and for future use.

“Rather than cutting, eating and enjoying, doing something constructive is more enjoyable.”

Nadroga District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) chairman Kinivuwai Naba commended the efforts of the women in protecting the environment.