FIJI, Waisomo Village, Ono Island - July 2000
Assist in the establishment of the Nubura Marine Conservation Area
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Waisomo Village is located on Ono Island 40 miles south of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. With the leadership of village Chief Iokimi Naqeluviki, the Waisomo villagers have begun the process of establishing a no-take marine protected area. Fishing is restricted in this area for a minimum of five years to allow, in the words of Chief Naqeluviki, "fish, clam and so on to regenerate for the benefit of our future generations." In exchange for this remarkable sacrifice Seacology provided funding which enabled Waisomo villagers to build a new community center and to purchase a boat to patrol the marine conservation area. The World Wildlife Fund - Fiji is responsible for the scientific surveys and mapping that made this marine reserve possible.
UPDATE January 2005 - The community center was completed and dedicated during the June 2002 Seacology expedition to Fiji. The final year of the five year no-take marine reserve is scheduled for 2005. The village is currently discussing the possibility of requesting a new grant from Seacology and lengthening the agreement to preserve the Nuburua fishing ground.
