Youths set up coral nursery to conserve marine, ocean resources
‘They planted 600 coral using the table and micro fragment rope method.’
Daliconi Village youths on Vanuabalavu in the Lau Province have taken it upon themselves to conserve their marine and ocean.
Recently they helped set up a coral nursery with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
They planted 600 coral using the table and micro fragment rope method.
The person behind the project is Pallawish Kumar, who is a youth officer posted in Lakeba in December, 2021.
He will be there for the next three years to look after youth development projects and climate change.
Mr Kumar said coral was important and they would set up another coral nursery at Sawana Village, Vanuabalavu next week.
“It is great to see work being done here towards creating solutions that can incorporate the formal work sector as well. This is just the start for us, we will try to expand our nursery in the coming few weeks with the help of youths,” Mr Kumar said.
“This project will enable the youth to market resources they have and also to empower themselves. During Tropical Cyclone Winston many reefs were damaged and now our focus is to rebuild, restore and create sustainable livelihood for the community.
“We have the opportunity to help build a brighter future for our planet.”
He said the study of coral reefs were important for providing a clear, scientifically-testable record of climatic events over the past million years or so.
Mr Kumar added this includes records of recent major storms and human impacts that are recorded by the changes in coral growth patterns.
“The health, management and conservation of biodiversity, is a fundamental issue facing humankind, presenting a real challenge to biology today,” he said.
“The major factors that affect the
health and function of our Great Barrier Reef are climate change and pollution.
“Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation.
“They are also a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.”
Mr Kumar has been moving from island to island in Lau Province setting up projects and delivering a lot of advocacy and training for youths.