FIJI, Viani Village, Vanua Levu Island - January 2006
Construction of a community center in exchange for the extension of duration of a 7,413-acre marine reserve and the establishment of a 50-acre forest reserve
Viani Village has a population of 200, and primary sources of income are from sales of farmed root crops, collected copra and fish at the market in nearby Savusavu. The village chief declared a no-take marine reserve approximately two years ago after local fishermen began reporting declining catches. The village is willing to extend the duration of the marine reserve for an additional 10 years, and has also agreed to preserve 50 acres of their pristine rainforest for a period of 10 years. In exchange for this sacrifice, Seacology is funding the construction of a much-needed community center.
UPDATE June 2006 - Construction of the community center was completed to beam height in April 2006. The entire building is expected to be completed by June 2006. Participants in Seacology’s 2006 expedition to Fiji will officially dedicate the community center during the site visit in late June.
UPDATE January 2007 - The building construction was completed in June 2006 and participants in Seacology’s 2006 expedition to Fiji officially dedicated the community center during their site visit.
