Ministry of Forestry and Live and Learn Fiji Promote Climate Resilient Island Project in Vanua Levu
Our team at the Dreketi Forestry Station on Vanua Levu in collaboration with the Live and Learn Fiji team, have been making significant strides in the Climate Resilient Island (CRI) Restoration Project for the Yavusa Kavula in the district of Lekutu, Bua Province.
The concerted efforts of these teams were focused on a variety of tasks crucial for enhancing the resilience of the local environment and communities. Among their key activities were the weeding of planted areas for Mataqali Navakai and Mataqali Tikinacake, conducting survival assessments and restoring river banks by planting Vetiver grass beside the river banks.
A diverse array of flora, including 197 Vesi plants, Damanu (Fijian calophyllum) and Wi (Spondias dulcia) as well as other various fruit trees, have been planted. Additionally, resilient crops such as Kumala (sweet potatoes) and pineapple were introduced to bolster food security.
Additionally, a thorough inspection of seedlings intended for the villages of Kavula and Banikea was carried out to meet the communities' interest in participating in the tender for Yasi (Sandalwood) and Mandarin seedlings. These seedlings will be utilised to establish Yasi and Mandarin plantations across several hectares in the upcoming financial year 2024-2025 and will be incorporated into the Reforestation of Degraded Forests (RDF) program.
The Ministry of Forestry Fiji extends its gratitude to the team at Live and Learn Fiji and the Yavusa Kavula community for their unwavering support and teamwork in implementing these vital initiatives. Their collective efforts are paving the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the Bua Province.
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