USP implements Mangrove Reforestation Project in Fiji

PRESS RELEASE
USP implements Mangrove Reforestation Project in Fiji


Community participation during mangrove reforestation at Nasau Village, Navitilevu, Ra.

The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) team continued the implementation of the Restoration of Ecosystem Services and Adaptation to Climate Change (RESCCUE) project with various activities in Nakorotubu in the province of Ra in the Fiji Islands from 5-10 February 2018.

IAS is the RESCCUE Fiji Operator along with Landcare Research New Zealand, Wildlife Conservation Society, Conservation International and Fiji Environment Law Association.

The activities included mangrove and coastal trees planting as well as mapping existing on-ground work, as part of the coastal community-based protected areas, mangrove protection and fisheries management initiatives in Ra.

A total of six villages were involved in this programme, namely Navuniivi, Nabukadra, Nasau, Nayavuira, Naocobau and Namarai villages.

More than 1800 mangrove seedlings (mainly Rhizophora spp.) were planted in approximately 0.45 acre.

In addition, a total of 1362 seedlings consisting of nine (9) species of coastal trees were delivered to ten (10) additional villages in Ra which comprised native, fruit and exotic species.

While the IAS team provided these seedlings, the communities who have been part of the RESCCUE Fiji work in Ra for the past three (3) years will plant these as part of their commitment to the protection of their coastal areas.
Since Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, the IAS team has witnessed an invigoration of interest from the community members to reforest and restore areas that were destroyed by the severe tropical cyclone.

The aim of the RESCCUE project is to contribute to increasing the resilience of Pacific Island Countries and Territories through supporting their adaptation to climate change.

RESCCUE is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) and implemented through the Pacific Community (SPC).

The RESCCUE project operates both at the regional level and in one to two pilot sites in four countries and territories: Fiji, the Northern and Southern Provinces of New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Vanuatu.

There are two RESCCUE pilot sites in Fiji, namely Ra and Kadavu, and this newsletter will bring you highlights of activities undertaken by the RESCCUE Fiji Team as well as feedback from the communities in the two pilot sites.

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