The 600 mangrove seedlings planted on the shores of Navuniivi Village in Ra yesterday will hopefully restore traditional fishing grounds, says Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Kumar.
He made the comments after he and his staff members joined villagers in the restoration exercise.
“The minister had made a promise to the villagers last month that he would return with his staff to assist in the mangrove planting and he joined us today,” said Navuniivi Yaubula Management Supporting Team secretary Laisiasa Mocevakaca.
He said coastal erosion had forced villagers to venture into deeper waters to catch fish.
“Hopefully these mangroves will establish new fishing grounds,” said Mr Mocevakaca.
“Also it will help stop the erosion of the beach.”
Staff members from the Ra Provincial Council office also took part in the planting.
