Minister for Environment Dr. Mahendra Reddy says they are partnering with the villagers of Naidiri in Malomalo, Nadroga to protect and conserve reef biodiversity within their qoliqoli.
The Ministry today marked the World Wetlands Day 2022 in Naidiri Village and took part in sea grass planting exercise.
Dr. Reddy says he understands the village has already declared part of their reef known as the Naidiri reef as a “Tabu” area and the Ministry is working with them to establish it as a Biodiversity Park.
He says the establishment of this Marine Biodiversity Park is in recognition of the collaborative effort taken to restore and conserve the coral reef ecosystem from further degradation.
Dr. Reddy says this partnership symbolizes the Ministry of Environment’s commitment to support the long term vision for restoration of marine resources that sustains the livelihood of villagers.
The Minister for Environment adds World Wetlands Day continues to remind us to take stock of how the human activities such as unsustainable development, illegal logging, agricultural activities, and land based sources of pollution have contributed to our degraded wetland systems and the need for immediate transformative actions.
He acknowledged the Turaga na Tui Tabanivono, Ratu Samuela Naulago and the village of Naidiri for their support.
