Development is moving towards mangroves, according to Blue Prosperity Fiji strategic advisor Joeli Veitayaki.
Mr Veitayaki said there had been a reduction in mangrove swamps over the years in the North because of land reclamation.
“My observations around Labasa, including areas near Galaxy Hotel and new residential and industrial zones, suggest that development is moving on to mangrove areas,” he said.
While speaking at a workshop organised by Wildlife Conservation Society, he said development was good for the economy but often harmful to the environment.
“I am sometimes very sceptical about development because the long-term costs of such activities can be substantial.”
He said there was a need for mangroves as they acted as natural barriers against tidal surges and an important to marine life.
“If we are removing the mangroves, we are endangering marine.”
He said there was a need to strengthening the law in order to address this issue for the future of Fiji’s marine ecosystem.
