Staff of Club Wyndham Denarau Island set a new record by planting 2500 mangrove seedlings in the beachfront along Natabua Seaside, Lautoka, recently.

Resort manager William Work said they partnered with the Ministry of Forestry in an initiative that underscores their commitment to sustainable tourism.

“We are proud to lead by example in our mission to contribute to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation,” he said.

“By engaging our staff, club members, and the local community in this mangrove planting project, we not only aim to enhance our natural surroundings but also foster a deeper connection with the environment among our guests and residents.”

The Ministry of Forestry has reached out to local community groups, including church and single mothers’ groups, and village youth selling mangrove seedlings, to collect seedlings for planting. Club Wyndham Denarau Island is investigating making this a yearly activity and extending its planting efforts to other locations on the island.

According to a World Bank report, Fiji is vulnerable to tropical cyclones and mangroves are essential in mitigating the effects of adverse weather events, serving as natural barriers that reduce erosion and absorb the impact of strong waves caused by cyclones. Mangroves create a unique ecosystem that provides vital habitats for a diverse range of local wildlife, contributing to biodiversity preservation.