INDONESIA, Fafanlap Village, Daram Island, Misool, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat - June 2011
Community center/kindergarten in support of a newly-created 40,300 hectare (99,583 acre) “no-take” marine area for a minimum duration of 14 years
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The small village of Fafanlap is located on the edge of the spectacular southeast Misool region of the Raja Ampat Archipelago. Three particular families who reside in Fafanlap Village (as well as in Usaha Jaya Village) have sole traditional ownership of a vast marine area that encompasses remote fringing coral reefs, seamounts and fish-rich pelagic waters. Part of this area (90,440 acres) has already been leased to Misool Eco-Resort as a “no-take” reserve for 25 years, but the villagers have agreed to turn the marine waters they own around the Daram Islands into an additional 99,583 acre “no-take” area for 15 years. According to Papuan tradition an agreement is only “accepted” when benefits are spread out to everyone. As such, the village leaders have determined that a much-needed community building, essential for village meetings and events (as well for use as a kindergarten), would solidify support for the no-take zone amongst all the villagers for the duration of the “no-take” lease agreement. Misool Eco Resort and Wild Aid, with support from the Walton Family Foundation, a major funder of the project, will assist the villagers in patrolling the “no-take” area. Seacology is pleased to announce that this is the first project funded by our new Sylvia Earle Marine Conservation Fund, a special fund dedicated to Dr. Earle’s vision of a global network of marine protected areas. *
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by: 
