The upgraded Mua Nursery in Taveuni was officially handed over to Fiji’s Ministry of Forestry this week, marking a significant milestone in strengthening forest restoration, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience efforts on the island.
The upgrade was completed under the Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC+) project and represents one of its key infrastructure investments supporting Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and ecosystem restoration in Fiji.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ministry of Forestry Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mr. Apisai Rinamalo said the upgraded facility would strengthen the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its restoration and conservation mandate.
“The upgrade will allow the Ministry to carry out its functions more effectively in sustaining our forests and strengthening climate resilience. The nursery will continue to provide an important foundation for our reforestation and restoration efforts in Taveuni and ensures we have a reliable source of quality seedlings to support forest rehabilitation, watershed protection and community-based restoration efforts.”
The handover also supports the implementation of the Ministry’s Reforestation and Restoration Programme on Taveuni.
Mr. Rinamalo, “Investments such as these are essential for safeguarding our natural resources and ensuring healthy forests for future generations.”
SPREP Director for the Fiji Office and Biodiversity Conservation, Mr. Amena Yauvoli acknowledged the partnership between SPREP and the Ministry of Forestry and highlighted the importance of the nursery for communities across Taveuni.
“We are grateful for the partnership with the Ministry of Forestry as we continue to serve our people and work together towards a more resilient future. This nursery is here to serve the people of Taveuni by supporting the sustainable protection of one of our biggest forest reserves and providing seedlings needed for restoration efforts.
“We also thank the Kiwa Initiative and the French Facility for Global Environment for their generous support of the PEBACC+ project. The benefits of this investment will extend beyond conservation by supporting communities, farmers, and future generations who depend on healthy ecosystems."
The Mua Nursery has been key in supporting the reforestation work under the PEBACC+ project through the supply of native tree seedlings since the reforestation started in Taveuni.
It is also expected to contribute significantly to the protection of the Blue Line, which marks the boundary of the Taveuni Forest Reserve and the Ravilevu Nature Reserve. By supplying native tree species for degraded areas, restoring buffer zones, and watershed protection efforts, the nursery will continue to strengthen biodiversity conservation and improve the ecological health of these protected areas.
With a production capacity of 50,000 seedlings, the upgraded and fully operational nursery, handed over on 22 July 2026, will ensure a reliable and continuous supply of planting materials, reducing dependence on external suppliers while supporting the sustainability of restoration efforts well beyond the lifespan of the project.
The PEBACC+ Project is implemented by SPREP and funded by the Kiwa Initiative through its donors, the European Union, Agence Française de Développement, Global Affairs Canada, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with co-financing from the French Facility for Global Environment.