Young people planting mangrove sapling nurseries, Fiji
Naqiroso Settlement is already facing the reality of climate change with rising seas and more extreme weather.
In response, young people are nursing mangrove saplings in wooden plots to plant out along the coastline. As mangroves grow they take in carbon dioxide, offsetting some of the emissions that ARO project partners have unavoidably contributed to the climate crisis. They also support the land and provide a buffer against water coming into the village during storm events or flooding. Through this initiative young people have a chance to nurture and enhance these unique ecosystems which give back to the community many social and economic benefits.
Rosi, youth worker and project coordinator, is working with 30 youth to future-proof the settlement. The journey from sapling to established mangrove involves several careful steps. Small saplings are planted into raised wooden nurseries in the tidal area. After the saplings have grown large enough to have a good chance on their own, they will be replanted in the areas of coastline that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Rosi is working with the village leaders to identify several key areas for the first rounds of saplings.
The details
The first stage of this project will sponsor 250 saplings.
Saplings cost $4 NZD each. This is paid in three parts over the first year of planting, with the young person responsible half the payment. Donations to overseas projects are not eligible for tax deduction.
All ARO projects will have an independent verifier local to the region to monitor progress and outcomes.
