SOLOMON ISLANDS, Tetepare Island - January 2006
Construct ranger dormitory to enforce environmental protection on the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific
Uninhabited Tetepare is one of the last large unlogged islands in the Solomons. Its 72 square miles of primary lowland rainforest support several rare and endemic species, and its beaches are a nesting area for the critically endangered leatherback turtle. Tetepare’s original inhabitants fled the island approximately 150 years ago due to a combination of intense headhunting pressure and disease outbreaks. In 2002 the descendants of the original inhabitants formed the Tetepare Descendants Association (TDA) to sustainably manage Tetepare’s terrestrial and marine resources. Seacology is providing funds to TDA for the construction of a dormitory to house rangers to protect the natural resources of the island. *
UPDATE June 2006 - Initial paperwork was sent to TDA in February 2006. The TDA is holding off on starting this project until the political situation in the Solomon Islands improves and the longevity of building supply companies in the area becomes more predictable. Once the situation improves, they will send to Seacology a revised work timeline, budget and signed agreements to officially begin the project.
UPDATE January 2007 - In late 2006 TDA changed their project plans after they received funds to build the ranger station from a different source. They asked Seacology if they could use the project funds to build a second station. However, the budget for the new building increased and the design of the building changed from concrete to wood. Seacology is postponing the project start date until plans are solidified with field representative Saula Vodonaivalu Jr. and a smaller budget is discussed and approved.
UPDATE December 2007 - Field Representative Saula Vodonaivalu, Jr. visited with the TDA members and the site in November 2007 to review the new design plans and budget, and to order appropriate materials. Materials were purchased in November 2007 and are scheduled to be shipped on the next available barge in January 2008. There is currently a pending law suit against TDA from an individual for ownership of the land. Seacology will continue to follow the status of the case.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
