Building of Resilient Communities in Ra , Fiji

On behalf of the local villagers of Nakorotubu District, Ra Province, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to GlobalGiving Donors for your generous support to our project.

With your support, we are able to help rehabilitate the eroded and vulnerable shorelines of the country by planting mangroves in collaboration with local communities and youth clubs. As a result of adopting the nature-based solution of planting mangroves, we help reduce disaster risk that threats coastal communities, improve the biodiversity of the coastal ecosystem, and help sustain food security for local communities.

We had trouble implementing our activities because of the cyclones that hit both our nursery and our project site. Another threat to our nursery is the wild goats eating our young mangrove seedlings. To address these problems, we are working with local communities in pilling rocks on the foreshore to reduce wave impacts on the coast. In addition, we initiated planting of vetiver grass on the embankment side of the village to reduce soil erosion.

It is indeed a huge responsibility to implement the project, but we are fortunate that this endeavor is a collaborative effort. We are grateful for all the kind assistance. 

On behalf of the local villagers of Nakorotubu District, Ra Province, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to GlobalGiving Donors for your generous support to our project.

The local communities, especially those living along the coastal areas have always been vulnerable from disasters such as cyclones. As protection, breakwaters were built by stacking piles of rocks. However, rocks gradually collapsed from subsequent disasters. As an alternative, we introduced planting of mangroves and the locals realized that it is more effective in protecting them from disasters. With this, mangrove planting and coastal rehabilitation work are very much appreciated by the government because it empowers the locals. The youth are the key people who are taking the lead on this very important role.

In collaboration with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Fisheries and Forest, we involve the locals in our mangrove rehabilitation programs. Recently, under the “Youth Coastal Care” program, we are working with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in engaging youth on the protection of coastlines and foreshores. We integrate crab-pen culturing process to further promote the preservation of existing mangrove forest.

We acknowledge the support from GlobalGiving that makes it possible for the work to eventuate. We hope that we are all in the same cause to reduce the impacts of climate change, thus initiating what is best for the preservation of our natural resources.