FIJI, Levukai Daku Village, Matuku Island, Lau Group - January 2008
Community center in exchange for the establishment of a 19,200-acre no-take marine reserve for a duration of 10 years
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Matuku Island is one of 10 scattered islands comprising Fiji’s Lau Group. Levukai Village, with a population of about 200, relies primarily on coconut (copra) resources for their subsistence lifestyle. The village has its own primary school, as well as a health center that caters to the other few villages in the Lau Group. Seacology is providing the village with funds for a much-needed community center. In exchange, the people of Levukai Daku are will declare 19,200 acres of their fishing rights area as a no-take marine reserve. Fiji’s former President Ratu Mara declared the waters of the Lau Group closed to commercial fishing 10 years ago; the new no-take area will be closed to all fishing activity.
UPDATE May 2008 - Materials were purchased in February 2008. As of April 2008 the foundation and wall framing was completed and the crew was moving on to installing the roof. A site visit is scheduled for August 2008.
UPDATE January 2009 - Construction of the building continues and was visited by a delegation of Seacology supporters in July 2008.
UPDATE December 2009 - In August 2009 field representative Harry Powell spoke with the Levukai Daku Village representative. He is trying to secure shipment of the building materials free of charge on a government vessel, but Harry asked him to also obtain quotes from commercial shipping companies. As of December 2009 Harry reports that apart from 60 bags of cement, all other materials have been shipped to Levukai Daku. In order to minimize costs the bulk of the work to complete the showers and toilets will be done by the villagers and the carpenter will only be required for the finishing.
UPDATE February 2010 - As of February 2010 Harry reports that although progress was slow during December and January, all the material has been safely stored in the hall while the carpenter has divided his work with other village/community commitments. However, the toilet and shower building should be completed soon.
