BEING a large ocean state, Fiji needs to safeguard the health of its coastal ecosystem.
A way it can support its costal ecosystem is by planting more mangroves.
Mangrove is known to act as a natural barrier against coastal erosion, strong waves and storm surges and they provide breeding and nursery grounds for a variety of marine animals.
Mangroves can purify the water by absorbing impurities and absorb pollutants from the air.
According to a 2022 Ministry of Forestry report, Fiji has over 46,600 hectares of mangrove forests.
In the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss, degradation of forests, loss of endemic species and the need for plantation species for economic growth and recovery, the Fijian Government initiated the 30 million trees in 15 years initiative.
Through its continued commitment to the initiative, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, with other ministries this week planted mangroves at the Suva Yacht Club foreshore.
Ministry staff got their hands and feet dirty as they planted mangroves along the foreshore.
In total more than 7000 potted mangrove seedlings were expected to be planted at the foreshore – supporting the flagship project of 30 million trees in 15 years.
Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Alitia Bainivalu said the event was a testament to their shared commitment to sustainable resource management, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
“As we stand here on the Yacht Club Foreshore in Suva with mud on our boots and purpose in our hearts, we are not just planting seedlings; we are literally rooting our nation’s future in resilience,” she said.
“This week-long Mangrove Planting Initiative, led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, is a powerful demonstration of Government-wide commitment.
She said every single seedling planted was a testament to their unwavering commitment to nature-based solutions.
“The choice of mangroves is deliberate, powerful, and scientifically sound.
“In the face of intensifying climate change, mangroves are the first line of defence for our coastal communities.
“They are Fiji’s indigenous seawalls, absorbing the force of storm surges and protecting our homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands from erosion.
Globally, large stretches of the sub-tropical and tropical coastlines of Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Americas and the Caribbean are fringed by mangroves, once estimated to cover an area of over 32 million hectares.
Now, less than 15 million hectares remain – less than half the original area. Between 20 per cent and 35 per cent of mangrove area has been lost since approximately 1980, and mangrove areas are disappearing at the rate of approximately 1 per cent per year, with other estimates as high as 2–8 per cent per year.
Given their accelerating rate of loss, mangrove forests may at least functionally disappear in as little as 100 years.
Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya, and ministerial team managed to plant 1500 seedlings.
Ms Tabuya emphasised that mangroves were one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to protect Fiji’s coasts and villages.
“Let’s continue to practice this in our own families and homes, dispose of rubbish properly, and ensure that our children learn how to protect the environment and conserve marine life.”
Land Resources, Planning and Development Division director, Amena Banuve, said the planting initiative signifies taking bold step towards protecting and preserving the environment for future generations.
“By participating in today’s exercise, we are not only contributing to coastal protection and biodiversity but also reaffirming our role as stewards of the land and natural resources,” he said.
The week-long mangrove planting initiative was a build-up towards the Fiji Day celebration on Friday, October 10.
Many civil servants turned up to be part of the mangrove planting initiative this week. Picture: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND WATERWAYS
In total, more than 7000 potted mangrove seedlings were expected to be planted at the foreshore. Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT
Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Alitia Bainivalu after the mangrove planting event in Suva. Picture: LITIA RITOVA
Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Alitia Bainivalu with government staff during the mangrove planting program in Suva this week. Picture: LITIA RITOVA
Staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways prepare the mangrove seedling for planting. Picture: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND WATERWAYS
Information Minister, Lynda Tabuya plants a mangrove at the Suva Royal Yacht Club’s foreshore this week. Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT
