VANUATU, Marou Community, Emau Island, North Efate, Shefa Province - January 2006
Completion of a kindergarten building and equipment in exchange for a 32-acre no-take marine reserve, and the establishment of a 300-acre terrestrial reserve for a minimum duration of 10 years
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Marou is the largest village on Emau Island, with a population of about 1,000. In 2003, the village chief and community set up the Marou Community Conservation Area. The Marou community is willing to preserve their 32-acre marine reserve for a minimum duration of ten years, as well as a 300-acre terrestrial area. The marine reserve is inhabited with a variety of fish species, turtles, clams, shells, sea cucumber, crabs and corals, and is an ideal place for dugongs. The community is also willing to set aside a 300-acre terrestrial area. In exchange for this sacrifice, Seacology will fund the completion of a kindergarten and provide equipment to be used to monitor the Marine Protected Area.
UPDATE June 2006 - Construction was nearing completion at the end of April 2006. Final construction stages of roofing and window placement were scheduled for early May 2006. Vanuatu Field Representative Kevin Tari reports that the community is respecting and observing the marine and terrestrial reserves.
UPDATE January 2007 - Construction of the kindergarten building was completed in May 2006 and an opening ceremony was held in September 2006. Vanuatu Field Representative Kevin Tari reported that the community is respecting and observing the marine and terrestrial reserves and are reporting to him that they are already seeing new fish in the protected area as well as increased numbers of sea cucumbers.
