FIJI, Marou, Malevu and Somosomo Villages, Naviti Island, Yasawa Islands - January 2006
Construction of a Chiefly House (Vale Ni Vanua) in exchange for the establishment of a 9,884 acre no-take marine reserve
The villages of Marou, Malevu and Somosomo on Naviti Island are led by a single chief, known as the Tui Marou. The Tui Marou is the traditional owner of the villages’ fishing grounds. The three villages are willing to preserve 9,884 acres of their fishing grounds for 20 years. In exchange for this sacrifice, they are requesting funding to construct a much-needed Chiefly House (Vale Ni Vanua). This house functions as a community center where the chief can hold meetings with chiefs from other islands as well as host visitors.*
UPDATE June 2006 - As of April 2006, the villages had settled on a work plan and design for the community center. The project is expected to begin in mid-2006 once the official work plan, timeline and budget are finalized.
UPDATE January 2007 - As of September 2006 construction of foundation and walls was complete. Construction of the roof, walling and flooring was scheduled to complete by the end of 2006 or early 2007.
UPDATE June 2007 - Construction of the roof, plastering and flooring has been delayed due to several months of foul weather in the area. The building is now scheduled to be fully complete by the end of November 2007.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
