Navakacoa Village, situated on Taveuni’s northeastern coastline, relies heavily on fish and marine resources for survival and economic stability. However, the community has been facing a concerning decline in fish stocks over the years. Residents reminisce about the days when their parents and grandparents could easily catch fish close to shore, a stark contrast to the present situation where villagers must venture farther out to sea to find enough fish.
Several factors contribute to this decline, including overfishing, poor land use, and the removal of mangroves along the coast, which have detrimental effects on the coastal ecosystem. The demand for mangrove timber and firewood has driven their removal, leading to significant habitat loss. According to the National Mangrove Management Plan 2013, approximately 3,464 hectares of mangrove forests were lost in parts of Fiji from 1991 to 2007, averaging 217 hectares annually.
Mikaele Tawake, the headman of Navakacoa Village and dubbed the “mangrove ranger,” has been a vocal advocate for the restoration of mangroves in Taveuni’s Cakaudrove and Wainikeli districts. He shared his personal connection to the mangroves and how their decline has affected marine life, particularly larger crabs that were once abundant in the area.
Concerned about dwindling fish populations, women in the village began discussions in 2006 to explore solutions for revitalizing fish stocks. Mangroves are vital as they serve as nursery habitats for various marine species. Moreover, they filter pollutants and sediment, safeguarding seagrass and coral reef ecosystems while contributing to carbon storage.
Tawake recalls a successful mangrove replanting initiative in 2008, where seedlings were planted, eventually leading to a resurgence of fish in the area. Following this effort, the provincial council in 2012 imposed a ban on mangrove removal, allowing only limited cutting for firewood.
Despite these regulations, pressure from infrastructure projects aimed at improving roads and expanding electricity service has led to renewed mangrove destruction. In response, Tawake started a nursery that nurtures around 3,000 mangrove seedlings and organized various planting trials in different seasons.
Recently, he collaborated with the Navakacoa Youth Club and the Navakacoa Women’s Group to advance the mangrove restoration project, supported by the Kiwa Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change Plus (PEBACC+) Project. Emphasizing the initiative’s importance for future generations, Tawake urged community members to take action now to ensure the continued availability of fish for their children.
On June 7, 2024, in celebration of World Environment Day, community members participated in a large planting event at Naisogo Point, where they replaced coastal plants cleared for infrastructure projects. They planted 300 coastal plants and initiated the planting of over 4,000 mangrove trees, marking a new phase in their collective efforts for restoration.
Akeneta Moceiqalitu, president of the Navakacoa Women’s Group, expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement in these initiatives, highlighting the ecological and communal benefits of restoring mangroves. Youth Club president Pelasio Raibia noted the importance of fostering environmental awareness among younger generations to sustain these efforts.
As part of the Kiwa PEBACC+ Project, Tawake and his groups aim to replant 10 hectares of mangroves. Their goals include employing nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to climate change, which are crucial for preserving essential marine habitats.
The Kiwa PEBACC+ Project collaborates with local authorities, including the Cakaudrove Provincial Office and several ministries, to promote sustainable ecosystem management across Taveuni. The initiative not only addresses mangrove restoration but also aims to enhance other ecosystems and expand forest cover.
The PEBACC+ Project, part of a broader regional effort funded by various international donors, aims to strengthen climate resilience for ecosystems, economies, and communities across several Pacific nations and territories.