FIJI, Nukuvou Village, Kadavu Island - July 2003
Construction of a community center in exchange for the establishment of a 14,826-acre marine protected area for 10 years
Click photo to enlarge
The famous 50-kilometer long Great Astrolabe Reef wraps around the southeastern side of Kadavu, just offshore of Nukuvou Village. The village has agreed to establish a no-take marine reserve in half of the village's traditional fishing rights area for a period of 10 years in exchange for the construction of a much-needed community hall.
UPDATE June 2009 - Seacology purchased materials to complete the project directly from suppliers in March 2009. Field representatives Jackie and Harry Powell coordinated the shipping of the materials and the project oversight. The roof is currently being put on the building and construction will continue throughout early 2009.
UPDATE August 2009 - Field representatives Harry and Jackie Powell visited this project in June 2009. Construction is almost complete and the center opening is scheduled for September 2009.
UPDATE February 2010 - As of February 2010 Harry reports that the project contact will visit Nukuvou next month and on her return she will have photos of the completed community hall, toilet/shower, etc. The community hall was used as a shelter during the last cyclone and is in use every Tuesday by the Nukuvou Womens Group for handicraft making. The hall is also used by other villages for community functions.
UPDATE July 2010 - Photos of the completed community hall have been received and the project is officially complete.
UPDATE January 2011 - The community hall was completed in December 2009 and was used as a shelter during the last cyclone and is used every Tuesday by the Nukuvou Women's Group for handicraft making. The hall is also used by other villages for community functions.
