VANUATU, Pango Village, South Efate Island - June 2006
Construction of a farea (meeting hall) in exchange for a 17-acre marine reserve for a minimum of 10 years, and in support of a permanent 15-acre marine reserve
Click photo to enlarge
Pango Village, the third largest village on Efate Island, has a population of about 1,500 and is home to long, white sandy beaches where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during September to March of each year. The Kalsarap family, the customary landowner and largest shareholder of the land at Pango Village, has established a permanent no-take zone for marine species covering about 15 acres, and have preserved a historical site at Elaupan. The Kalsarap family has agreed to preserve the lagoon of Elaupan, home to untouched and diverse coral reefs, as a no-take zone for a minimum of 10 years. The 17-acre reserve will be managed by the Pango Marine Management Committee. In exchange for this sacrifice Seacology will provide funds for the construction of a farea (meeting hall). *
UPDATE January 2007 - As of November 2006 the village had completed construction of the foundation, walls, framing, and most of the plastering. Construction was scheduled to be completed in early 2007. Field representative Kevin Tari noted that families are already reporting to him that they are starting to see more fish in their conservation area.
UPDATE June 2007 - Construction was completed in March 2007.
UPDATE October 2007 - An opening ceremony was held in July 2007 and was attended by villagers, public officials, field representative Kevin Tari, and board member Gordon Radley and Seacology supporter Amy Sabel.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
