Building of Resilient Communities in Ra , Fiji

As an island country in the Pacific, our greatest fear is the unfavorable climate conditions that severely impacts coastal communities.

Since OISCA pioneered the mangrove planting program in 1998, we have been engaging local communities to be more alert and proactive in the protection of shorelines and local resources. Our greatest concern is the preservation of the existing forests and reefs to be able to support the many forms of ecosystems around us, particularly the people itself for now and for the future.

The GlobalGiving donations enabled us to work with vulnerable communities through climate change adaptation programs. These initiatives helped empowered communities. We were able to reach out and involve local communities who were always been susceptible from natural disturbances, including strong winds during cyclone season. The mangroves that we helped planted serve as natural barriers and wind breakers that slow and reduce threats to coastal dwellers.

Our efforts were recognized by the government on which we believe will greatly impact the progress of our activity.

We are grateful to GlobalGiving donors for your generous support to our mangrove rehabilitation project in Nakorotubu District, Ra Province in Fiji.

In line with the national government` target of planting 2 million mangrove seedlings, we are actively engaging local villagers in the protection of the shorelines. This effort is highly recognized by the local and national government. We may face issues such as COVID-19 pandemic and disasters such as cyclones, but we are committed to continue encourage local communities to be part of the rehabilitation process.

Moreover, we mobilized our resources and provided the local communities with trainings and agricultural inputs to somehow reduce their vulnerability from disasters and of the negative impact of the pandemic. Since the pandemic, we have trained local people who were laid off from tourism related jobs. We taught them how to grow vegetables organically to address the problem of food insecurity.

Meanwhile, as a result of the gradual restoration of mangrove, there is a now a noticeable increase of fish catches both for the villagers` own consumption, as well as for commercial purposes. It helps sustain the basic needs of families living along the coastal area. As we work with the villagers for the sustainable management of their coastal forest, we are aware of how important to involve not only the elders, but also the youths. As island villagers become more vulnerable from frequent disasters, collective responsibilities are in need.

On behalf of the local communities benefiting from our mangrove reforestation project in Ra Province, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to GlobalGiving donors for your generous support.

Your donations enabled us to engage further local communities, particularly the youths on the rehabilitation of the coastal areas in Navolau Village. Under the “Youth Coastal Care” program, together with local youths and in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we were able to plant a total of 1,600 mangrove seedlings on May 5, 2022. Prior to the event, we have established a nursery within the planting site, to have an easy access to mangrove seedlings.

With the frequent occurrence of intense cyclones, local communities on island nations like Fiji are vulnerable from such disasters. In the long-run, community-led mangrove reforestation projects are crucial for the protection of local people. Just like the communities protected by the mangrove forests that we helped established.

Thank you for your continued support.

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.