FIJI, Vuna Village, Taveuni Island - January 2005
Construction of a kindergarten in exchange for the establishment of a 4,752-acre forest preserve and two marine protected areas totaling 3,010 acres
Taveuni, known as the garden island of Fiji due to its abundant flora, is the country's third largest at 180 square miles. Vuna Village has agreed to preserve 4,752 acres of dense forest for a minimum of ten years. In addition, the village has agreed to establish two no-take marine conservation areas: one 1,483-acre area for a duration of ten years, and one 1,527-acre area for a duration of 20 years. In exchange for the establishment of the forest and marine reserves, Seacology is providing funds for the construction of a new kindergarten and adjacent administration block.
UPDATE July 2005 - The construction of the kindergarten and school building are scheduled to begin by late 2005.
UPDATE January 2006 - The construction company has started with the foundation for the center.
UPDATE June 2006 - The construction company finished the roof section in February 2006 and finished the final stages in May 2006. The building will be dedicated during the June 2006 Seacology Fiji expedition.
UPDATE January 2007 - The building construction was completed in May 2006 and participants in Seacology’s 2006 expedition to Fiji officially dedicated the community center during their site visit. In August the Fiji government found that the septic system was not in compliance. Field representative Saula Vodonaivalu Jr. is currently working with the village to correct it and reapply for compliance in 2007.
