Mangrove Reforestation Project in Fiji

Local villagers while inserting mangrove propagules in plastic pots in the nursery.
The local villagers helping in transplanting of mangove propagules.
A portion of the established mangrove vegetation in Ra Province.
Flowers of mangroves planted in Ra Province supported by Tokio Marine Nichido.

Year Started	1993
Name of Coordinators	Mr. Kazu Shimizu, Ms. Jocelyn Matunhay, and Mr. Tevita Dakia
Activities	Planting of mangrove in cooperation with the local communities. Unlike the other mangrove project sites of OISCA, Fiji`s planting sites are located in open seas which made the seedlings susceptible from strong waves and sea current worsened by the sandy and sometimes rocky planting site. Nurturing the seedlings in the nurseries before transplanting and planting of 3-4 propagules in wooden square blocks filled with soil and small rocks are some of the innovative approaches and are proven to be effective and has higher percentage of mangrove survival. Prior to the actual project implementation, community organizing and the creation of committee were done to encourage the sense of responsibility and involvement of the villagers. Environmental awareness seminars emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation especially the protection of mangroves were conducted to let the villagers realize the true value of the project.
Project Impact	Increase in the number of vegetation cover along the coastal area of Viti Levu Island. After two decades since the start of the project, the fishermen have noticed the increase of size and number of fish catch as well as the shortened distance of travel just to catch fish.
Number of Hectares	149 Hectares
Project Location	Viti Levu Island, Fiji