Lovoni, Ovalau – Over 8,000 fruit and native tree seedlings have been planted in the Lovoni District of Levuka, Ovalau as part of a reforestation initiative led by the WCS in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry. The planting marks a significant step under the Kiwa WISH+ Project, which promotes nature-based solutions to build climate resilience across Fiji, Solomon Islands and PNG.
Fruit trees planted in Lovoni.
The trees ranging from native hardwoods to various fruit-bearing species. The effort aims to reduce erosion and sediment runoff impacts on downstream coral reefs, as well as creating sustainable food sources for local communities. Reforestation is a key strategy in addressing the effects of climate change.
The Ministry of Forestry's involvement in this initiative supports its long-term national goal of planting 30 million trees in 15 years, with a strong focus on sustainability, resilience, and community engagement.
Forestry Officers using the Clino to ensure straight planting rows.
Ratu Akuila Gaunavou, a 56-year-old member of the chiefly family in Lovoni Village, welcomed the intervention.
Akuila Gaunavou 56, Lovoni villager
“I’d like to acknowledge the Ministry of Forestry and WCS for taking the initiative to plant these trees on our land,” he said.
“It is important to plant trees so that it will beautify the environment and help our soils regain its fertility.”
He also emphasized the community’s appreciation for the inclusion of diverse tree types.
“We had been wanting a variety of fruit tree seedlings planted on our land, and we are thankful that WCS and the Ministry of Forestry heard our request,” he added.
Fruit trees seedlings
This initiative is part of the Kiwa Initiative, funded by the European Union in the Pacific, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Affaires mondiales Canada), the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is implemented in partnership with the University of Sydney, The University of Queensland, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
For more information on the Kiwa Wish+ Initiative visit: https://kiwainitiative.org/en/
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