FIJI, Nakalavu Village, Viti Levu Island - July 2003
Construction of a community center in exchange for the establishment of a 2,000-acre forest preserve
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Nakalavu village's ancestral rainforest is primary forest, home to Yasiyasi, a highly desirable native tree used for making furniture and other products. The village has agreed to preserve their forest for a period of 20 years in exchange for a critically needed community center.
UPDATE November 2003 - The building contractor and the village are now working on the final stages of construction. Painting and plumbing is scheduled to be completed in January 2004.
UPDATE July 2004 - All but the plumbing of the building was completed in January 2004. The plumbing is scheduled to be completed this year.
UPDATE July 2005 - The community center was completed in July 2004. Seacology's June 2005 Fiji expedition for Japanese Fellows visited Nakalavu Village to celebrate the opening of the community center.
