PERENNE, Protection and restoration of riparian zones of the Nera

© WWF NC CIE

This year 2023, students from secondary schools Sacré Coeur and Louis Léopold Djet in Bourail have contributed to various projects on the theme of riparian vegetation:
- Enhancing riverside plant formations,
- Creation of explanatory materials on the riparian forest,
- Participation in the local Science Event.

A tree nursery has been offered to Bourail's secondary schools to thank them for their contribution in 2023 !

© Kiwa Initiative

On the banks of the Néra River, young apprentices from the New Caledonia Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries took part in a new training worksite as part of the PERENNE project.

The goal: restore 200 metres of riparian forest — the riverside vegetation — to protect the pasture of one of the eight farmers involved in the project. Mission accomplished: despite rain and fatigue, 380 seedlings from 10 native species were planted to the highest standards.

This collective effort brought together many partners, including the Bourail municipality, Bwärä Marine Turtles (providing both plants and manpower), and the experienced volunteers from WWF New Caledonia.

A fine example of solidarity and cooperation to restore ecosystems and support sustainable farming practices.

© WWF New Caledonia and Kiwa Initiative

On Saturday July 1, an eco-citizen worksite in Bourail, New Caledonia, enabled to plant the first 870 trees on the banks of the Néra river. More than 15,000 additional trees will be planted over the next 2 years.

This planting project is helping to develop coastal ecosystems and watersheds, in the sensitive Néra catchment area (Bourail), so that they are more resilient to the global pressures of climate change. This will preserve access to natural resources, contribute to food security and maintain the activities of the Caledonians who depend on them (fishermen, farmers, surrounding communities, etc.).

Well done to all those who took part in this first planting for the benefit of people and nature!

© Kiwa Initiative

The PERENNE project completed its final works of 2025 in Bourail, within the Néra catchment area, with the restoration of a weakened riverbank along the Nékou River. Threatened by erosion, this stretch has regained its stability thanks to strong collective mobilisation and the implementation of Nature-based Solutions.

Following approval by DAVAR, the works involved reshaping the riverbank, protecting it with coconut-fibre geotextiles, and installing gaïac fascines. These measures are essential to limit erosion and support the natural recovery of vegetation.

Around fifteen participants took part in revegetating the site, with nearly 800 plants of locally adapted species (vetiver grass, beach hibiscus, blue cherry, candlenut trees, white false oak and bulime trees). The riverbank and new plantings were also secured through the installation of a solar-powered electric fence, ensuring the long-term durability of the restoration works.

This operation marks the integration of an eighth pilot site into the PERENNE network within the Néra catchment, which will be monitored over time. It represents a further concrete step towards restoring riparian ecosystems and protecting natural environments, as the end-of-year festive season approaches.

© Kiwa Initiative

More than 500 native plants have been donated by students from Collège Sacré Cœur de Bourail to the PERENNE project, supported by WWF New Caledonia. Last Friday, the 3ème Prépa Métiers students, who manage the school’s educational nursery, together with the 6ème “Ripisylve” class, handed over the results of their hard work to the Bwärä Marine Turtles Association.

These young plants — including false mango trees, vetiver, false white oak, sandpaper fig, and other local species — will continue to grow before being planted in one to two years along the banks of the Néra River, as part of ecological restoration works.
The students of Bourail will later be invited to take part in hands-on restoration workshops, planting the very seedlings they nurtured.

The event was also an opportunity for several project partners, including the Mayor of Bourail, to thank the younger generation for their tangible commitment to protecting nature.

© Kiwa 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.

© Kiwa Initiative

Led by the WWF in New Caledonia, the Kiwa PERENNE project closes 2025 on a clearly positive note. After 2.5 years dedicated to building knowledge on riparian forests, carrying out restoration works and engaging young people along the banks of the Néra River, the project is delivering tangible results.

In total, 600 plants from 30 different species were planted, enabling the restoration of nearly 2 km of riverbanks. The project also strengthened local skills in nursery management within participating communities, supporting a more sustainable and autonomous approach to riparian ecosystem restoration.

A concrete illustration of what nature-based solutions can achieve on the ground in New Caledonia.

© wwf antenne Nouvelle-Calédonie

The PERENNE (Protection and Restoration of Riparian Zones of the Nera) project monitoring committee shared with all its partners the progress of the project, the difficulties encountered, and collective solutions to the problems identified!

Amidst the crisis in New Caledonia, WWF and the Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries united all key stakeholders to ensure meaningful progress despite the crisis's challenges. Partners like the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) played a crucial role, underscoring the project's collective strength and reaffirming that the resilience of both the land and its people are deeply interconnected.

Learn more about Nature based Solutions.

© WWF Antenne Nouvelle-Calédonie

As part of the PERENNE project, two days of training at the end of October enabled our associative seedling-producing partners, Wa Ereteu andAssociation Bwärä Tortues Marines, to strengthen their skills in managing their tree nurseries.

These training courses, provided by the New Caledonian Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries, covered essential topics such as:
- Plant propagation and maintenance
- Substrate preparation
- Spatial organization of the greenhouse
- Assessing the cost of a seedling

Enriching local capabilities is key to tackling environmental challenges.

Learn more about climate change resilience and Nature based Solutions.