Fiji Mangrove Management Committee Convenes

Secretariat to the Mangrove Management Committee Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Principal Environment Officer Mr Krishneel Nand 

27 November 2024 - The Fiji Mangrove Management Committee met this morning attended by government officials, representatives from non-governmental organisations and academia.

In his opening remarks, Chair Mr. Filipo Delai from the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources emphasised that the committee, established under the mandate of the National Environment Council, marks a crucial step in the conservation and management of mangroves.

“The re-establishment of this technical committee is not just a formality. It is a clear recognition of the importance of mangroves and a reminder of the indispensable roles they play in our lives and our environment,” said Delai.

He acknowledged the threats facing mangrove ecosystems and called on all stakeholders to collaborate in the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of these vital resources.

“Mangroves serve as natural protectors of our coastlines, acting as buffers against storm surges and helping to reduce coastal erosion. They are also essential for biodiversity, serving as nurseries for fish and other marine life, which in turn support the livelihoods of countless Fijian families,” Delai added.

Delai also reminded participants that the sustainable management of mangroves is not just an environmental issue, but also an economic and social one, directly linked to the wellbeing and resilience of coastal communities.

The meeting featured presentations from the Management and Conservation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems project including progress on seagrass and mangrove mapping, blue carbon assessment, local management approaches, and findings of the legal review conducted by Siwatibau and Sloan law firm.