The people of Yap, an isolated island state in the Pacific, have managed to keep their traditional culture relatively intact. Ceremonial stone money and long houses are still in use throughout the island. The Yapese have also preserved their islands’ natural resources. This project will protect both culture and nature.
One of the most notable remnants of traditional Yapese culture is the ancient Tamilyog Stone Path, which connects the eastern and western sides of the main island. Much of the path is overgrown, and some sections have been buried due to disuse and neglect. The Dalipebinaw municipality is setting aside 75 acres of native forest adjacent to the path as a protected reserve. In exchange, Seacology, in cooperation with the Yap Community Action Program, provided funding for the restoration of the stone path.
Yap is one of four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia. It has a population of just 11,200. And its total land area is just 50 square miles–but it’s spread out over 100,000 square miles of ocean.