Mangroves Planted To Protect Coastal Erosion, Contain Flooding

The project undertaken by WWF is in line with the 2018-2038 Sustainable Development Plan.

In the hope of containing future coastal flooding 230 mangrove seedlings were planted at Nakavika Settlement in Ba yesterday. Settlement headman Isaia Usa said the rise in the sea level was a hurdle residents faced. “Sometimes water reaches inside the house because there is nothing to stop it,” Mr Usa said.

“Our houses are continually affected and this is a serious issue for households here.”

Residents along with staff from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) got together to plant the mangrove seedlings that were from the Natutu Village nursery in Ba.

Their aim is to protect Nakavika Settlement from future coastline erosion sea water intrusion and sea level rise. During high tide, sea water reaches the door steps of a few of the houses.

“The planting of mangrove will be a huge step forward to protect the settlement,” Mr Usa said.

Everyone in the settlement got together to be part of the planting drive yesterday.

“They know how important this is to them and their families,” he said.

The project undertaken by WWF is in line with the 20182038 Sustainable Development Plan.

According to WWF-Pacific’s project climate change support officer, Apolosa Robaigau, the plan was aligned to the Fiji National Green Growth Framework, Fiji National Development Plan, other relevant national policies and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mr Robaigau added that through participatory consultations, 12 thematic areas were identified.

These include education, spiritual development, health and wellbeing, sustainable water sources, energy, transportation, economic security, women development, youth development, traditions and cultures, traditional leadership and governance, sustainable management of natural resources to climate change and sustainable financing. According to WWF-Pacific project manager, Alfred Ralifo, the plans are intended to enhance proper management of natural resources at the district level through capacity building and hands on training and adoption of best practice.

“It ensures that these grass-roots communities’ environmental, economic and social aspirations are integrated into their community development plans in a strategic manner for a prosperous resilient and sustainable future,” Mr Ralifo said.

“The onus is now on the Fijian Government, the private sector, development partners, donor agencies and other relevant stakeholders to work together to support these communities to realise their vision.”