A five-year research project aimed at promoting nature-based solutions and community adaptation is being spearheaded by the University of New South Wales, University of the South Pacific and the philanthropic support by Swire Shipping.
The Project Halophyte, which will be piloted in Fiji, is set to embark on a large-scale shore-based mangrove rejuvenation program in the country.
This morning, the project inception meeting at Novotel Hotel in Lami was opened by the Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna.
Hon. Tubuna said the project includes green infrastructure of floating mangrove pontoons that is made possible through the transferring of tidal restoration and floating mangrove pontoons based on developed methodologies from the University of New South Wales to Fiji.
“The Pacific region faces a unique challenge due to our close proximity and inhabitance of low-lying coastal areas that is greatly affected by rising sea levels, vulnerability to destructive waves and saltwater intrusion, to name a few,” he told those in attendance.
“I am very much convinced that the Project Halophyte will have a substantial impact on our coastlines and marine life while mitigating the impacts of climate change, creating carbon sinks for our islands and aligning with the net-zero targets set by the majority of Pacific Countries for 2050.”
Hon. Tubuna, at the same time, revealed that the Coalition Government fully supports the project.
“The decarbonisation factor of the project ensures the prosperity of not only the environment but also the communities,” he further remarked.
“The project invests in the future leaders of Fiji, Australia, and the world through scholarships for PhD research students to be undertaken jointly and collaboratively between USP and UNSW.
“I wish to once again extend the Coalition Government’s gratitude and appreciation to the brains behind this project.”
The five-year project complements the government’s plans for community adaptation and resilience.