VANUATU, Sunae Village, Moso Island, Northwest Efate - January 2008
Provision of a water supply and solar pump in exchange for the establishment of a 92-acre no-take marine reserve and a seven-acre mangrove reserve for minimum of 11 years
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The lifestyle of the small community of Sunae is primarily based on subsistence activities which include fishing, small scale market-gardening, firewood cutting, etc. The Sunae community has survived natural disasters like droughts and sickness, as well as the influence of land sales. But today there is a growing need for awareness in relation to global warming, and the community wishes to use a sustainable and environmentally risk-free technology that will ensure better living for the community. In light of that, Seacology will provide funds to construct a solar-powered water system in exchange for designation of 92 acres as a no-take marine reserve, and seven acres as a mangrove reserve. The system will be constructed by village elders and the Vanuatu Rural Water Supply Department. Four villagers will be trained to maintain the system. *
UPDATE May 2008 - As of March 2008 the project was experiencing a minor delay in order to give time for field representative Kevin Tari to get a second quote for the solar pump due to a rise in equipment prices.
UPDATE January 2009 - As of November 2008 the community was waiting for the help from the Vanuatu Rural Water Supplies Department to install the solar pump. Kevin Tari reports that the MPA continues to be observed.
UPDATE June 2009 - As of March 2009, trench preparation for the water lines had started, but heavy rains and a lack of on-site villagers to help in construction delayed all activity. Kevin Tari started working on arranging for outside village laborers to help complete the project by June 2009 when Senior Program Officer Karen Peterson will be visiting this project.
UPDATE December 2009 - As of July 2009 Kevin Tari reports that the water source area is clean and the trench was dug another 50 meters to join the proceeding work that was previously completed. As of October 2009, after meeting with the village, field representative Kevin Tari reports that one member of the community has agreed to relocate to the site of the pump so the solar panel can also be placed at this location. As of November 2009 Kevin Tari reports that the community has started clearing the new site for the solar panel.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by: 
