Seven communities in Savusavu have joint forces with Nawi Island Integrated Tourism project and planted mangrove seedlings to provide for the multi-million dollar rehabilitation program.
At a briefing with the Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo, the project’s General Counsel and head of Real Estate Sales & Hotel Development, Melvin Chand said they had to remove some mangroves around the island to make way for development.
“As a result we have started planting mangroves over the past years and continue to do so in replacing one mangrove tree with six trees,” he said.
“So for every mangrove tree we remove, we need to plant six more trees and we are working with seven communities who have nurseries for mangrove seedlings.
“We are currently planting mangroves in a 20hactares area in Savusavu and also working with schools and youth groups.”
Mr Chand said the seedlings preparation would be done over a period of two years.
He added they were also working with the Ministry of Fisheries in setting up other nurseries for corals as the ones surrounding the island have been affected from bleaching and over exploitation.
