Hopes are high that Fiji will protect its coral reefs for the future generation says

Lisa Svensson, the Director for Ocean, at the United Nations (UN) Environment Programme (UNEP), heading up the marine and costal ecosystem work programme in the UN.

While snorkelling off Nukubati Island in the province of Macuata yesterday, Ms Svensson noticed dead coral reefs and said that it is shocking.

“It is quite shocking when you see the reality. You see healthy reefs and you can see the difference and how dead these reefs are,” Ms Svensson said.

“What we heard is that there is pollution coming from the land base and it is affecting the coral reefs. Climate change is also a factor. It will be a mix.”

Ms Svensson said people needed to work together to protect their resources.

“If we can stop the land base pollution we have a chance, but we don’t know that yet because the bleaching has been going on for six years.

“Coral reef is an asset for the county and also for humankind. Saving the reef is saving a lot of resources that will benefit the people of Fiji.”

Fijians are urged to work together and protect the coral reefs.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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