Some time ago the Unit of Fiji missioned Sister Lora Adikakai SM to work on a Reforestation Project with the local people of Nacula Island, part of the Yasawa group in Fiji. The aim of the project is to restore damage done to soil and habitat through erosion and to educate the younger generation in sustainable planting and planning for the future. It is a way of uniting the people of the Tokatoka clan in a common project, moving away from dependence on tourism, by re-focusing and taking responsibility for their own land.
Before the 1950s, the village elders described Mataniwai as a woodland area, but over the years the land has gradually degraded. It is now predominantly grassland and shrubs with a few isolated trees. The aim is to plant as great a variety as possible of indigenous species of trees, fruit trees, sweet smelling flowering trees, and a number of species for commercial purposes. The natural water supply on the island – two springs – is utilised for dripping and watering of the seedlings. The Forestry Department was willing to provide trees and other seedlings because this Project is in line with the Government’s initiative towards combating climate change. Also survival checks are conducted regularly with the help of the Forestry Department.
It is a long term process. It may take twenty to thirty years to reach its full maturity!
Early in June 2019 Lora was accompanied by the Fiji Leadership Team to the Yasawa Islands to begin work. Whilst working at the project site she lives very simply! She returns at regular intervals to her community in Nadi.
