All over the world, there are serious concerns about the state of our coral reefs.

Some scientists estimate we've already lost 5 percent of all reefs on the planet.

But a group of Fijian children want to reverse the damage in their backyard - with a bit of coral gardening.

Clement Paligaru: This may not be your usual gardening.

But these children of Cuvu village on Fiji's Coral Coast know exactly what they're doing.

Mereani Naioba, primary school student: We are planting coral, to make fish live in them.

Clement Paligaru: They're working under the supervision of Dr Austin Bowden Kirby, a Fiji-based marine scientist.

He came up with a new method of reef creation after studying the way bits of storm damaged coral scatter, attach themselves to rock and grow again.

Dr Austin Bowden Kirby, marine biologist: These children are taking little bits and pieces of coral. And they are planting them onto frames and watching them grow. The corals will grab onto the little cement cookies, within a month or two, they will grab on. And they will become beautiful rounded corals. We clip them off and we plant them onto fish houses.

Clement Paligaru: The sand and cement fish houses form the foundation of a coral colony which attract fish and other marine life to the area.

Dr Austin Bowden Kirby: Today we went to the fish houses. And we saw this porcupine fish in there. And they're all All excited. And giant clams are settling - on their own. And baby corals are also coming in the currents and also finding the fish houses .

Peniasi Qadriu, primary school student: As you grow coral, there are about 5 years (it grows) bigger so the fish (go) there, inside there to produce many fish. So people go there, fish, and they've got their fish there.

Dr Austin Bowden Kirby: This one animal has killed about 2 to 3 thousand corals in its life.

Clement Paligaru: As in many parts of the world, the crown of thorns starfish has wreaked havoc here.

The coral gardens project also aims to inform villagers about the human impact on reefs from over fishing, pollution and environmental degradation.

Mereoni Mataika, marine officer, Shangri La Resort: It takes time to change behaviour for the older people. But with children, I think it's vital that we teach the children because then they go home, they tell the parents, and they make sure the parents do it.

Dr Austin Bowden Kirby: If you planted flowers, you're not then going to step on those flowers. If you plant corals - you're not going to throw and anchor or drag your fishing net over those corals. You're going to start respecting corals for the first time maybe in your life. And understanding that they're fish houses.

Clement Paligaru: Now a marine protected area, it's supported by a partnership between the not-for profit Partners in Community Development, the Shangri-La Hotel, which leases coastal land here, and the traditional landowners.

Mereoni Mataika: I'd like to hear back from the people, the resource owners. Like hey, the marine protected area is working. We're having more fish on our table. At least we have more fish here to feed our children.

Clement Paligaru: The project is not just about food security for now, but these children's future in a world of climate change.

Sheila Tuvounicuvu, primary school student: Corals are important because they protect the land from the big waves.