Nawi Island’s Mangrove Rehabilitation Programme 2015 at the island in Savusavu, Vanua Levu was a great success.

About 4500 seedlings, known as propagules, to assist in the regeneration of mangroves, were planted by more than 200 students and teachers from five different schools.

Savusavu chief Ratu Golea Lovodua, managing director of Nawi Island Limited Michael Gann, representatives of Fiji Development Bank, Roko Tui Cakaudrove Filimoni Naiqumu, Cakaudrove provincial administrator Josefa Rokonai, northern divisional planning officer Alipate Bolalevu and Savusavu Police officer in charge were also part of the event.

Naweni District School participated for the first time alongside Class Eight students from Nasavusavu District School, Khemendra Central School, Nasavusavu Public School and St Andrews Primary School.

About 80 per cent of mangrove propagules planted in last year’s programme on the island foreshore are flourishing.

This year 4500 propagules were planted within and around this area and their growth will be carefully monitored by the company.

Nawi Island Limited’s project co-ordinator Cassie Gann said, “It was great to see our local students and teachers working with Government officials, our partners from the FDB and the Nawi team on this amazing project.”

Presentations were held in each school building up to the programme.

Students were intrigued that mangroves can hold up to five times as much carbon as the same area of rainforest.

Their importance as barriers during storms and tsunamis, habitat for marine animals and for construction were highlighted.

Students were also shown how propagules are prepared and planted on silt sand.

Northern DPO Mr Bolalevu commended Nawi Island Limited’s effort in organising such a large gathering for the Mangrove Rehabilitation Programme.

“Organising such a big programme requires a lot of preparation and I am happy to see school students and Government officials and stakeholders involved in such a worthy cause,” Mr Bolalevu said

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