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.

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.