VANUATU, Nasawa Community, Maewo Island - January 2008
Renovation of three historical school buildings in exchange for the protection of all bird species and hardwood trees in a 1,339-acre area, as well as a 62-acre no-take marine reserve for a duration of 15 years
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Nasawa Village, with a population of over 400 people, is one of the largest communities on Maewo Island. Most villagers have maintained their traditional way off life, building small huts using traditional materials, consisting of bamboo trees for walls and coconut leaves for the roofing. The local communities have recently expressed concerns over population growth rates and diminishing fish and prawn catches, increased forest clearing for farmland, and an increase in bird and water eel catches. Since the 1980s, the community of Nasawa has been seeking financial assistance from the local government for renovation of their historical school buildings. Seacology is providing funds to renovate these school buildings. In exchange, the Nasawa community will preserve all bird species and hardwood trees commonly used for timber in a 1,339-acre area. Additionally, they will set aside a 62-acre area as a no-take marine reserve for fish, shells, turtles, and crabs for minimum of 15 years. *
UPDATE May 2008 - The project was delayed in February due to lack of shipping options. As of March a ship was repaired and materials were sent to the village. In April roofing started on one of the buildings and most materials have been shipped to start renovations on one building. The on-site project leader is scheduled to travel to Maewo in early April to oversee construction. A second shipment of materials for renovations to the final two buildings is scheduled for early to mid 2008.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
