Mai Ma`asina Green Belt Second Reforestation Program Is Progressing.

Waihau Conservation, MALAITA – Mai Ma`asina Green Belt is currently working with three (3) of its members, progressing to its second reforestation program after successfully completing the first project in 2021 to 2023 having planted 18,000 of native trees hence restoring 37 Hectares of degraded land.  

A two (2) days training was conducted on 5th – 8th of December at Waihau Conservation center bringing a total of 15 participants from the 3 sites. The sites to involve in this project are Hi`i conservation, Rihuania Conservation and Leileigela Conservation. 

The training was facilitated at Waihau Conservation Centre since the site was recommended through its successful engagement in the first reforestation project and having planted more than 6,000 native tree species through the “ARU model”.  

The participants were also privileged to freely communicate and learn from the experienced rangers of Waihau Conservation. The ranger’s interaction during the practical training involves tree species management both prior and after nursery, management, planting phase, and monitoring. The rangers were also trained on data collection, as a valuable tool to be used by the rangers during the project phase.  

A highlight of the training was the engagement of 4 Panels/volunteer (3 rangers from Waihau and 1 from Leleigela) that were given the opportunity to share their experience of involvement in one the sessions. They were well equipped with primary knowledge. With such working experience hence having them involved in the training to share and engage, is an add on knowledge and preparation for the participants. On the other hand, the training also improves the ranger’s capacity development and recognizes their potential.

Upon completing the 2 days of training, the participants express their acknowledgement and excitement to work on such important program, especially, restoring the natural habitats home.

The participants will continue with Nursery preparation activities upon returning to their respective sites and progress to collection phase next year 2025.

The program will run for 18 months and aims to enrich 15,000 trees upon project completion. Mai Ma`asina Green Belt on behalf of its members acknowledges NatureFiji-MareqetiViti and its supporting partners for the opportunity to collaborate and for recognizing local organizations.   

For more information about Mai-Ma`asina Green Belt and its initiatives, visit https://mai-maasina.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/maimaasina 

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