VANUATU, Nguna and Pele Islands - July 2005
Infrastructure and equipment for the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area
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Nguna and Pele Islands are small volcanic islands surrounded by fringing reefs located approximately four miles off the north coast of Vanuatu's principal island of Efate. The Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area (MPA) is operated by a local organization made up of nine island communities dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine resources. The total area of protected reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests and intertidal lagoon now exceeds 7,413 acres. Many tour operators have approached the MPA regarding the possibility of offering day visits by marine enthusiasts and ecotourists. The MPA requires infrastructure in order to successfully initiate ecotourism development. In support of the Nguna-Pele MPA, Seacology will provide funding for construction, furnishing and a solar power system for a new base office.
UPDATE January 2006 - The renovation of an existing building to house the headquarters for the MPA has been completed. A solar electrical system has been ordered from Australia but has yet to be installed. A Seacology delegation visited the site in October 2005, when the organization made an expedition to the Solomon Islands.
UPDATE June 2006 - In 2005 renovation of the MPA headquarters building was completed, equipment for the MPA office was purchased, and the solar electrical system was purchased and delivered. However, the equipment and solar system will not be installed until a village dispute is resolved with other communities in the MPA area. Field Representative Kevin Tari is monitoring the developments and working to find a solution.
UPDATE January 2007 - Field representatives Saula Vodonaivalu and Kevin Tari visited the village in September 2006 to assess the current situation. All marine reserve areas continue to be strictly observed as no-take zones. However there is no resolution between the MPA staff and the one village where the building is located. The MPA offices have now moved to a different village.
UPDATE June 2007 - Kevin Tari visited again in April 2007 to assess the situation and try to facilitate a resolution. However, no change in the tension between the MPA council (representing 16 communities with the region) and Taloa Village is expected. Plans for the rest of 2007 involve discussing alternative solutions with the MPA council.
