Ministry supports Coral Planting Initiative in Naidiri Village in Nadroga

As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts, staff from the Ministry recently visited Naidiri village in the district of Malomalo, Province of Nadroga in the Western Division to participate in the coral planting initiative aimed at protecting and restoring the local marine ecosystem — a vital source of livelihood for the Naidiri villagers.

The coral planting initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the resilience of reef systems and preserve marine biodiversity. The Ministry staff were enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful initiative, recognizing the long-term benefits of preserving marine resources for the present and future generations.

Upon arrival, the MFA team were welcomed by the Naidiri Village Youth group and were given an informative briefing on the coral planting program and the village’s way of life. The Team also had the opportunity to engage with community members and gain valuable insight into the importance of the ocean to their daily lives.

The Naidiri villagers extended their sincere appreciation to the Ministry for its commitment in supporting this initiative focused on preserving the natural marine resources. According to the Officer-in-Charge of the Naidiri Marine Protected Area, Mr. Manoa Duwai, the exercise began sixteen years ago, with villages now reaping its benefits. Moving forward, there are plans to further strengthen community engagement and expand awareness programs to ensure sustainable practices continue. Efforts are also underway to explore potential partnerships for capacity-building and resource support.

The Ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that restore, preserve and nurture Fiji’s marine biodiversity and contribute to building a healthy and sustainable environment. Through continued cooperation with local communities, such programs play a significant role in fostering environmental stewardship and promoting long-term sustainability. The Ministry commends the Naidiri villages for their dedication towards preserving their marine resources through building enduring partnership and networking.