Women in Tailevu and Rewa lead Mangrove conservation with new skills

A group of 60 women from coastal villages in Tailevu and Rewa have gained vital new skills that not only support their families but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts in their communities.

The women participated in a week-long training session in Naivakacau Village where they learned jewellery making, fabric art, and screen printing as part of an International Tropical Timber Organization project.

This initiative was supported by the Japanese Government which aims to restore mangrove forests damaged by cyclones while also empowering women through skill development.

The project is a part of the larger movement to restore the mangrove ecosystems in the Rewa Delta which is led by the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection.

Ministry of Forestry’s Assistant Director Operations for the Central Eastern Division Kesaia Ravia says the newly acquired skills not only help women generate income but also raise awareness about mangrove conservation.

She says the initiative links creative skill-building with a deeper environmental focus which ensures the protection of coastlines while supporting women in sustainable livelihoods.

The training has empowered the women to turn their creativity into eco-friendly, marketable products, providing them with both financial stability and a shared mission of environmental stewardship.