Project Updates from the Philippines and Malaysia
Date: 6-Jan-2010
Palaui Island, Philippines - Renovation of Multi-Purpose Hall in exchange for the establishment of a 5,369-acre forest reserve for a duration of 20 years
On the northern end of the Philippines, Palaui Island is a small community of subsistence farmers and fishers. In need of renovations for their community center, the islanders entered into an agreement with Seacology to protect a 5,369 forest area, including a mangrove forest. As of November 2009, the community center has been completed, and the renovations included a solar powered electrical system. The building is being used for community meetings and for training in mat and basket weaving. The protected forest is being closely monitored by the community, and initiatives in mangrove reforestation are underway.
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Manamoc, Philippines - Funding of solar power supply systems for schools and health centers in support of a 267-acre marine protected area for 20 years
In the small barangay, or island-village, of Manamoc, villagers spent years with inadequate electricity supply, often forcing the community to go without crucial services or pay costly out-of-pocket expenses for them. With Seacology’s support, the village now has sufficient solar units to provide electricity to the entire community. In exchange, the village has agreed to protect a 267-acre marine protected area. Islanders are vigilantly guarding the MPA, and fish populations are flourishing.
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Mudung Abun, Malaysia - Integrated community-based micro-hydro power system in support of 1,236 acres of watershed
In the village of Mudung Abun, on the island of Sarawak, Malaysia, the community is now enjoying carbon-free electricity in the form of a new micro-hydro power system. Constructed with Seacology’s support, the system has replaced seven of the eight diesel generators in the community, saving approximately 1,585 gallons of fossil fuels and 14 tons of carbon emissions, as well as saving the community $4,000 in fuel costs. In exchange for Seacology’s support of the new micro-hydro system, the village of Mudung Abun agreed to protect 1,236 acres of watershed. They have recently replanted some of these acres, and will continue to add seedlings to underplanted areas.
