Restoration of Riparian Forests in Bourail: A Hands-On Training Project within the PERENNE Initiative

A new restoration project was successfully carried out on the banks of the Boghen River in Bourail (New Caledonia), as part of the PERENNE project supported by the Kiwa Initiative.

Organised as a training worksite, the project allowed Year 11 STAV students from Lycée Michel Rocard to take an active role in planting 400 trees along 160 metres of riverbank and installing fencing to protect the restored area.

The newly planted trees (bourao, blue cherry, kohu from the Chain, false tamanu, false white oak, bancoul tree, and several banyan species) complement the vetiver hedgerow established four years ago.

Co-organised by WWF New Caledonia and the Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries of New Caledonia, the project also mobilised many local stakeholders: farmers, volunteers, associations, and local nurseries. It reinforces the long-standing commitment of Mr Colomina, a dedicated livestock farmer, to protecting both his pastures and local aquatic environments.