The villagers of Barotu in Ra have recently celebrated a significant milestone, receiving a payout of $140,000 from their newly established Barotu Nursery and Investment Company. This venture, aimed at fostering community development, marks a pioneering achievement for the village located approximately 32 kilometers from Rakiraki town along the Kings Highway.
Traditionally, Barotu has been known for its rich variety of crustaceans, particularly giant mud crabs, which have long sustained the local economy. However, the community is experiencing a shift as the mangrove nursery takes center stage as the new source of income. Through the support of Conservation International and the successful restoration of their mangrove forest under the Blue Carbon Fiji project, Barotu villagers created a nursery to meet the demand for seedlings from rural communities across the Western Division.
In just the past year, the nursery flourished, completing its first order of 82,700 seedlings for communities spanning from Ra to Nadarivatu, Yasawa, and Nadroga. This initiative falls under the Ministry of Finance’s Jobs for Nature Project and has significantly reinforced the village’s economic resilience.
The nursery initiative is not just pivotal for Barotu’s coastline protection but also serves a broader purpose by helping neighboring communities safeguard their own shores. Village headman Mecuisela Tuilewa expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Conservation International and neighboring villages, emphasizing how the nursery has fostered community unity and pride.
The establishment of the Barotu Nursery and Investment Company serves as a safety net for the villagers, offering support for various community needs such as repairs to the village hall and assistance during funerals. The community has taken ownership of this project, ensuring that local men and youths are actively involved, learning about environmental stewardship and sustainability.
This initiative is part of a larger government goal to plant 30 million trees over 15 years, highlighting the potential for greater environmental impact while simultaneously strengthening economic opportunities for the community. The success of the nursery not only symbolizes hope for Barotu but also stands as an inspiring example of how grassroots initiatives can lead to significant positive change within a community.