Veiuto students plant mangroves to protect Nasese shoreline

As Fiji continues to face rising sea levels, stronger storms, and coastal erosion, one community is taking action from the ground up, starting with its children.

With climate change threatening many coastal villages and settlements, the Year Eight students of Veiuto Primary School have carried out a mangrove planting project to help protect the shoreline and support families living closest to the sea.

The students planted 1,300 mangrove seedlings along the Nasese coast in Suva, marking one of the school’s largest environment projects.

Head teacher Ken Kafoa said the initiative allowed students to turn classroom lessons into real climate action.

“This is something they have learned, and this project has helped them to put it into practice,” Mr Kafoa said.

He said the Year Eight students designed the project after their final exams as a way to give back to the community and contribute to climate solutions.

Because the school sits beside the seashore, Mr Kafoa said the project carried extra meaning.

“We live alongside the sea. We always talked about doing something to improve our shoreline, but we did not expect the massive support we received,” he said.

The Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Forestry, and non-government organisations also joined the effort by providing seedlings, equipment, and t-shirts for students, teachers, and parents who helped on the day.

Mr Kafoa said the project gives students valuable hands-on experience while also showing the community how young people can take leadership in climate action.

“We want the children to explore what they learn and show the community what we can do to help protect the seashore and fight climate change,” he said.

After seeing the excitement and support from families, the school plans to continue the mangrove planting project in the coming years.

Residents living in the area say the initiative brings hope.

Emeline Vakaloloma, 78, who lives in Korova settlement only a few metres from the shore, said the mangroves will help protect their homes.

“We face the sea every day, the rising waves, the flooding, the erosion,” she said. “These mangroves will help protect our homes. We are very thankful to the students for thinking about us.”

Mr Kafoa added that the project also supports Fiji’s wider climate efforts.

“If it has to do with climate change and sustainability, then yes, this is our contribution,” he said.

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