Komave Village Kicks Off Seagrass Restoration Project

GIZ and FNU staff with the Village Headman and Komave Youths

4th April 2025 - The MACBLUE Team, in collaboration with seagrass experts from Fiji National University, launched a seagrass restoration project in Komave Village last week. The initiative, aimed at protecting seagrass ecosystems, included a practical restoration exercise using the checkerboard method, followed by an awareness session on the vital role of seagrass in climate change mitigation.

The event built on lessons from a pilot project in Dawasamu District, Tailevu, and aims to employ a more strategic and effective approach to marine conservation.

Village Headman Josaia Totonavosa expressed his gratitude for the awareness raised during the event. He emphasised the critical link between land-based activities and marine ecosystems, urging the community to manage agricultural runoff and animal waste to protect the health of the ocean.

Village Headman Josaia Totonavosa during the seagrass restoration exercise

“The awareness today has really taught us the importance of managing our land-based activities, such as animal waste and agricultural runoff, as this will have a direct impact on our marine ecosystems,” said Totonavosa.

He also highlighted the role of youth in sustaining conservation efforts.

“It is important, therefore, that we involve the youth of today because they are our future and will continue the sustainability of such initiatives,” he added.

Youth Leader Jone Batikolikoli also shared his thoughts on the seagrass restoration project, emphasising its importance for the community's long-term well-being. He also pointed out the impact of tourism development and soil erosion on seagrass habitats.

Komave Village Youth Leader Jone Batikolikoli (middle) with other youths marking the plots for seagrass restoration

“Conserving our marine resources is important because we are already witnessing changes in our shorelines due to the impact of climate change. Currently, we are planting mangroves to mitigate the influx of seawater entering our village,” he said.

“It is important that we involve the younger generations so they can learn about the realities of our marine ecosystems and how seagrass restoration can help sustain them. The awareness today has also been a motivation for our youth to take up tertiary education in Fisheries so they can study and return to assist the village,” the Fisheries graduate shared.