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Vanuatu

Pango Village

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Conservation benefit: 17-acre marine reserve for 10 years, and in support of a permanent 15-acre marine reserve

Community benefit: New community hall

Date Approved: 06.2006

Ocean

This project protects ocean ecosystems, making coastal communities more economically and physically secure in the face of climate change.

Pango Village, the third largest village on Efate Island, has a population of about 1,500. It is home to long, white sandy beaches, where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from September to March each year.

The Kalsarap family is the customary landowner and largest shareholder of the land at Pango Village. They have established a permanent marine no-take zone covering about 15 acres, and preserved a historical site at Elaupan. The family has agreed to preserve the lagoon of Elaupan, home to untouched and diverse coral reefs, as a no-take zone for at least 10 years. The Pango Marine Management Committee will manage the 17-acre reserve. In exchange, Seacology will provide funds for the construction of a farea  or meeting hall.

Project Updates

May 2015

Cyclone Pam, a category 5 storm, caused severe damage across Vanuatu in March.The Seacology-funded building in Pango, however, suffered only minor damage and was used as an emergency shelter.

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June 2008

In April 2008 incidences of fishing within the no-take area were reported. Seacology field representative Kevin Tari plans to help the project leaders restore the management and rules for the protected area in 2008. The meeting hall remains in good condition.

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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.

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June 2007

Construction was completed in March 2007.

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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.

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