Development is increasingly encroaching upon mangrove areas, warns Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor for Blue Prosperity Fiji. He highlighted a notable decline in mangrove ecosystems in the northern regions, attributing this trend to land reclamation activities.
Veitayaki pointed out that the areas around Labasa, particularly near the Galaxy Hotel and newer residential and industrial developments, are particularly affected. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society, he noted that while development fosters economic growth, it can often have detrimental environmental impacts.
Expressing his concerns, Veitayaki remarked, “I am sometimes very sceptical about development because the long-term costs of such activities can be substantial.” He underscored the necessity of preserving mangroves, which serve as natural protection against tidal surges and play a crucial role in sustaining marine life.
He cautioned that the removal of mangroves poses a significant risk to marine ecosystems and emphasized the need for stronger legal protections to address these environmental challenges.