The Fiji National University while planting mangroves are looking into an eco-park at the Saweni Beach in Lautoka.

This eco-park is set to have some local plants such as mahogany trees along with children play area.

These plants are provided in support by the Rainforest foundation and Reforest Fiji.

This park will be near the beach where people can enjoy with their children and families.

The idea by the University is to develop a place for the people where they do not only enjoy but also learn.

University Assistant Professor from the Department of Environment Science Dr Ajantha Perera at the Lautoka Campus is looking forward to this.

“We are going to create an environmentally friendly space in Saweni as apart from mangrove planting; we want to create a space like a park,” she said.

“Instead of having bushes we are going to convert the bushes into a park area so families can come and enjoy.

“It is going to be like an education centre where they come and learn about the mangroves and they can plant it too.

“We will be planting mahogany and citrus; many of the native trees in Fiji will be planted here.

“So when the children come here they will learn about the plants and it will be a very safe place for people to come.”

The university aims to create and environmentally and people-friendly place where a recycling centre and a compost unit will be set up also.

“Reason being, Saweni is known for many activities and a lot of people don’t come now to Saweni because of this.

“It is a shame to neglect an area which is so well labelled for Lautoka City just because of the fear.

“We will take the fear away at the Eco Park they will learn and have a good time.”

Through the University’s initiative, a group of 70 people from a church organisation off Saru Village planted 3600 seedlings yesterday.

“We really want to cover this whole area with mangroves so it will enhance the fishery and will stabilise the wind in the area.

“By planting, people will also learn about the value of the native plants and they can harvest it as we are planting and donating,” she said.

“We hope that this will be a good initiative which can be copied all over Fiji and we want Uni Fijiand USP to also join hands.”

The university is pulling in the people of Lawaki Village as they wanted the villagers to take charge of the maintenance of the park.

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